Rugby league player Jai Arrow and his partner Berina Colakovic wed in a surprise ceremony in Sydney on Sunday, months earlier than originally planned. The change in timing was due to Arrow's diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND), which has affected his speech.
The couple had initially planned to marry in Italy in October, after the NRL season. However, Arrow's MND diagnosis prompted a shift in their plans, with the couple opting for a smaller, secret ceremony in Sydney.
Arrow, who played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, did not speak at a press conference announcing his diagnosis on May 20, allowing club officials to address the media. He later spoke about his condition in an interview, during which the changes to his speech were noticeable.
Colakovic shared the news on Instagram, alongside photos of the couple with their infant daughter, Ayla Rae. She expressed gratitude for the intimate ceremony and noted that a larger celebration with family and friends in Italy would still take place.
Arrow's teammates were reportedly unaware of the wedding plans, with some expressing surprise upon hearing the news. The South Sydney Rabbitohs are planning a special celebration for Arrow during their upcoming match against the Newcastle Knights on Sunday, which coincides with his 31st birthday. The NRL is organizing an event that includes a world record attempt for the most party hats, a performance by The Wiggles, and other festivities, with proceeds and donations supporting MND research and awareness.
The rugby league community has shown widespread support for Arrow, with players across various teams performing a 'bow-and-arrow' try celebration in his honor. This gesture has extended to junior leagues, demonstrating the broad impact of Arrow's fight against MND.
Arrow and Colakovic became engaged during a trip to Italy in October 2024, and they announced they were expecting their first child in December of the same year. Their daughter, Ayla Rae, was born in April 2025.