NRL stars are being teased over an unexpected detail of the sport’s heartfelt ‘Jai July’ celebration for Jai Arrow, with fans and even a rugby league great pointing out that many players are performing the famous bow-and-arrow gesture incorrectly.
The celebration has become a familiar sight across the NRL and even AFL this month as players show their support for former South Sydney Rabbitohs and Gold Coast Titans forward Arrow, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease earlier this year.
Players have been pretending to fire an arrow from a bow when they score tries – or goals, in the case of the AFL.
But while the tribute has been embraced across the game as part of the NRL’s Stand With Jai campaign, some supporters have noticed players making one common mistake.
Former Parramatta Eels captain Nathan Hindmarsh led the light-hearted criticism during Sunday Night With Matty Johns after watching another player celebrate by releasing both the imaginary arrow and the bow.
‘If this wasn’t a winger, I would have let this one go,’ he said.
Sione Katoa from the Sharks received attention from fans and analysts for his Jai Arrow try celebration, which saw him release the imaginary bow instead of the imaginary arrow
Canberra Raiders second-rower Noah Martin released both the imaginary bow and arrow when he celebrated after scoring against the Bulldogs
‘But it’s Jai Arrow, and it’s Jai July. Just have a look at [Cronulla Sharks winger Sione Katoa’s] technique here.
‘You pull the arrow back and you let go of the string. You don’t let go of the bow.
‘It’s not Jai Bow, it’s Jai Arrow. You hold the bow and you pull it. You let go of the arrow. You don’t let go of the bow.
‘Cause it would have just gone plonk in his face.’
The comments quickly struck a chord online, where fans admitted the same thing had been bothering them.
One X user, Mitch, posted: ‘My new pet peeve is players releasing the bow instead of the arrow.’
His observation prompted dozens of replies from supporters, with some agreeing that the technique had become impossible to ignore.
‘I totally get that one. I’ve played with people who just hold the bow and let it swing back and forth while they move around. It’s super annoying when they do that,’ one person wrote.
Nathan Hindmarsh pointed out that many NRL players have been getting the famous Jai Arrow celebration completely wrong
Cronulla Sharks star Nicho Hynes also released the bow instead of the arrow
Stand With Jai has united clubs, players and supporters in backing Arrow after his MND diagnosis (Jai Arrow is pictured with fans after Souths’ win over Newcastle)
Others thought the criticism missed the point of the campaign.
‘It’s all for a good cause. Grow up, for goodness’ sake,’ another replied.
A third asked: ‘What happens when you do that with a real bow?’
Another fan joked: ‘If they start miming it thwanging them in the face, it’ll come full circle and become awesome.’
The bow-and-arrow celebration has spread rapidly through rugby league during July as part of the NRL’s Stand With Jai campaign.
The league has dedicated the month to raising money for Arrow and his family, with players encouraged to perform the celebration after scoring tries.
Budget Direct has pledged to donate $1,000 for every South Sydney Rabbitohs try scored during July, while Coca-Cola Australia is contributing for every try scored across the NRL, NRLW and State of Origin during the month.
Trading card company Select has also committed $40,000 while encouraging players to stand with Arrow by using the celebration.
‘This will be a case of the game uniting behind our own,’ Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys said.
‘We are a family. Jai and his family need our help and they will get it. One of the best things about Rugby League is its ability to unite for an important cause and they do not get more important than this.’
