NRL Star Jai Arrow's Wife Settles Lawsuit Against AI Firm

Berina Colakovic, wife of NRL star Jai Arrow, has settled a lawsuit against her employer, AI advertising platform StackAdapt. Colakovic sued the company, alleging discrimination and denial of procedural fairness after she was suspended from her role as director of sales on the same day she returned from maternity leave. The settlement was finalized on October 15, according to court records, though the terms remain confidential.

Colakovic, who married Arrow in July, began working for StackAdapt in April 2019 and was promoted to director of sales in July 2024. Court documents filed by her legal representatives, Maurice Blackburn, alleged that a superior threatened her in September 2024, stating there would be "performance discussions" unless she made "organizational changes ASAP," which allegedly included dismissing two employees under circumstances Colakovic believed might be unlawful. She reportedly raised these concerns with the company's human resources department.

In November 2024, Colakovic informed StackAdapt of her pregnancy, with her first child due in April 2025. She was told that arrangements would be made to cover her position during her maternity leave, which commenced in March 2025. However, on March 27, 2025, a new employee was announced as director of sales via a company Slack message, which Colakovic's claim stated did not mention her or that the new hire was covering for maternity leave.

Colakovic initially planned to return to work in September 2025, five months after giving birth, but extended her leave until May 1, 2026. In early April 2026, she was informed she would resume her director of sales position but that an investigation into her workplace conduct would restart and her team would no longer report to her. Two days later, she was instructed not to come in at her usual time on May 1 but to attend a midday meeting where she was suspended and directed not to contact colleagues or clients during a disciplinary process.

Colakovic stated in August 2026 that the complaints against her were vague, lacked detail, and provided no basis for suspension. Maurice Blackburn contacted StackAdapt three days later, describing the suspension as an "ambush" and claiming a denial of procedural fairness.

StackAdapt denied unlawfully suspending Colakovic or taking adverse action, alleging that complaints from other staff justified their decision. The company also claimed Colakovic had demonstrated a "pattern of disengagement," was unreceptive to feedback, and showed an absence of empathy, with some employees feeling unheard while working with her. StackAdapt asserted that Colakovic had expressed satisfaction with the outcome of her HR complaint in September 2024.

Colakovic's legal team alleged StackAdapt contravened the Fair Work Act and sought her return to her former position. StackAdapt did not withdraw allegations or end the suspension, denying the investigation and suspension constituted adverse action.

Jai Arrow announced his retirement from the NRL in May 2026 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease in April. Despite his diagnosis, the NRL permitted him to play in South Sydney's final two regular season matches to reach 100 games. He was honored with a lap of honor at Accor Stadium before the NRL grand final on October 4. Arrow and Colakovic held a second wedding ceremony in Sicily on October 14.

Colakovic stated her fight was about discrimination in the workforce, emphasizing the principle of the matter. "I have seen it before where women are replaced or demoted while on maternity leave. It's wrong and I don't want [daughter] Ayla to grow up in a world where this can happen," she said. Arrow expressed his support for his wife's legal battle, stating, "Now it is my turn to support Berina in her fight for what she believes is right. She has been, and is, amazing."