NRL player Jai Arrow has married his partner, Berina Colakovic, in a private ceremony in Sydney. The wedding took place just five weeks after Arrow publicly disclosed his diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND). The couple shared the news on Instagram on Tuesday morning, receiving congratulations from across the sporting community.
Colakovic posted about the ceremony, stating, "We did a thing! Don’t know how Italy will top this one but we can’t wait to celebrate with all our family and friends." She also expressed gratitude to friends who helped facilitate the elopement, and mentioned their daughter, Ayla Rae, was present. Photos from the event show the couple celebrating in Sydney's CBD.
Arrow wore a tuxedo, while Colakovic sported an ivory mini dress with a high neckline and a veiled headpiece. She accessorized with floral lace tights, pointed pumps, and gold jewelry. The couple announced their engagement in October 2024 during a holiday in Italy and revealed in December of that year that they were expecting their first child. Their daughter, Ayla Rae, was born in April 2025.
Arrow, 30, went public with his MND diagnosis on May 20, an announcement that significantly impacted the Australian sports world. He had previously remained silent at a press conference when the news was first reported. In a televised interview following the announcement, Arrow spoke about the progression of the disease, noting its impact on his speech. He described his daughter as his "greatest strength" and shared his initial reaction to the diagnosis, stating his first thought was, "all right, where do I go now?"
Despite the diagnosis, Arrow expressed defiance and a commitment to fight the disease. "To fight," he said when asked about his future outlook. "I wanted to do this to let people know I am OK and I am ready to fight. I do really have a lot. Nothing is gonna take me out easy. I wanna do everything I can - any trial, any medication that will maintain me for as long as I can. I want to inspire other people who have been diagnosed."
Colakovic has been a source of support for Arrow, who has traveled to Spain for treatment. He has spoken about his determination to undergo trials and pursue any available medication to prolong his quality of life. The footballer aims to inspire others facing similar health challenges.