Jai Arrow Honoured with Provan-Summons Medal as NRL Grand Final Tribute Unveiled

Jai Arrow has revealed he was told 'nothing' about a pre-game tribute planned for him ahead of Sunday's NRL grand final. The gesture is set to take place at Stadium Australia, where a selection of Australian musicians will perform Gerry and the Pacemakers' song and Liverpool FC anthem You'll Never Walk Alone.

Earlier this year, Arrow retired from the NRL after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). Speaking at the Dally M Awards in Sydney, Arrow said he was unsure of the details of the ceremony.

'[I know] nothing yet, apparently I'm going around … but I don't know anything,' Arrow said.

Arrow was honoured with the Provan-Summons Medal at the awards night for embodying the spirit of the game, which is measured against the values of respect, honesty, bravery and sportsmanship. He said the proposed pre-game tribute on Sunday would be an opportunity to continue raising awareness of MND.

'I can use my platform to spread awareness,' he said.

NRL executive chairman Peter V'landys was tight-lipped about the tribute but promised fans they would be 'happy and impressed' with the performers selected.

'You'll see, there'll be superstar Australian performers, that's all that we'll say, and everyone will be very happy and impressed with what we've got,' he said.

V'landys also said the league will be donating $100,000 to Arrow's family, as well as $1 million to a 'fund for underprivileged kids who can't afford to play rugby league'.

'If we can lift a lot of other people with Jai's courage and leadership, that's what we're going to do on Sunday night,' V'landys said.

The NRL was left without pre-match entertainment for the grand final after talks with Australian artist Tones and I broke down earlier this month.