NRL stars have thrown their support behind Jai Arrow, who this week revealed he has been diagnosed with motor neuron disease and will medically retire from the NRL at age 30.
Since his diagnosis, many have been pushing that the NRL should replace 'Try July', which was a charity fundraising initiative from Sportsbet, with 'Try for Jai', or 'Jai July' to raise money for motor neuron disease while also throwing support behind the former Rabbitohs star.
When speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Cameron Murray backed the initiative to honour Arrow's legacy in the game.
“Of course. We were boycotting [Try July] at the club, not endorsing any betting companies anyway," Murray said to the publication at NSW Blues training.
“If the NRL wants to do something like that, and the fans enjoy a little bit more personality when a try is scored than they normally see, if we're all encouraged to do a little bit there, it's an awesome initiative to get behind MND research and support Jai like that.
“I think it's a great idea.”
Try July was a Sportsbet-backed promotion that raised money every time a player would celebrate a try.
It ran for six seasons, with NRL and NRLW players finding extremely creative ways to celebrate tries, a fan favourite among the viewers.
Sharks hooker and NSW Blues debutant Blayke Brailey has also thrown in his support for Jai July.
“I think that would be a great initiative,” he said. “I think if we can all do our part and help out in some small or big capacity, I would love to get on board with that.
“Hopefully, the NRL and the clubs can sort something out because I think that'll be an amazing initiative for him.”
The backing has also been circulating around social media, with Latrell Mitchell headlining many stars also keen to raise money for MND.
