Jai Arrow makes emotional return for South Sydney

Jai Arrow has made an emotional return for South Sydney, leading the side out and officially playing his 99th match for the club against Gold Coast.

Arrow, who was diagnosed with MND earlier this year, has received special dispensation from the NRL to play the opening seconds of the Rabbitohs' final two matches for the year.

He was substituted before kick-off for Cameron Murray and left the field at Skilled Park to a standing ovation.

Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett and former stalwart Jason Clark helped Arrow put his boots on before the match.

The Titans wore a commemorative jersey with Arrow's face on the front.

He played 56 matches for the club from 2018 to 2020.

Arrow will lead South Sydney out again next week in their final game of the regular season against the Sydney Roosters.

It will mark his 100th game for the club and the 180th and final match of his career.

Arrow was in the room when elated Souths players were told about the plan during their team review session on Monday morning.

"We all play a tough sport and we all mean so much to so many people, but it's so special to see what players mean to other players when things are going tough," said Rabbitohs fullback Matt Dufty.

"[Jai] brings a smile to everyone's face. Whatever we can do to give back to him, even if it's a little bit, it's just what we need to do. We're all behind him."

The NRL world has rallied around Arrow since his shock diagnosis and immediate retirement in May.

The league threw Arrow "the world's biggest birthday party" on the day Souths beat Newcastle in July, rolling out a birthday cake in the shape of his jersey and presenting him with a commemorative jersey.

Fundraising efforts have already passed $1 million in support of Arrow, who is the father of a young daughter.

Players from all clubs showed their support by marking tries with 'arrow' celebrations during July.