Jai Arrow Claims 2026 Peter Frilingos Memorial Headline Moment of the Year

Jai Arrow has been awarded the Peter Frilingos Memorial Headline Moment of the Year at tonight's Dally M Awards ceremony at The Cutaway in Barangaroo, Sydney.

The award, named in honour of legendary Rugby League journalist Peter "Chippy" Frilingos, recognises the moment or story that defined the season in the eyes of the game.

For 2026, that story was Arrow's brave fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND). In May, he announced his immediate retirement from the NRL on medical grounds following his diagnosis, having undergone months of testing and treatment. Through everything that followed, Arrow faced the battle of his life with honesty, dignity and extraordinary bravery, capturing Rugby League and bringing the Rabbitohs family, the Club and the wider game together like never before.

Late in the season, with support from the NRL and the Rugby League Players Association, Arrow suited up for two further matches, taking the field for the opening moments against the Gold Coast Titans in Round 26 and against the Sydney Roosters in Round 27. Those appearances allowed him to bring up 100 NRL games for South Sydney, becoming only the 67th player to reach that milestone in the Club's history.

Earlier this month at the Red and Green Ball, Arrow was crowned Bob McCarthy Clubperson of the Year for the second straight season, recognition of the same bravery and leadership that has defined his 2026 campaign. Arrow's courage has been the headline of the year. His bravery has inspired teammates, supporters and the game itsel and he is a worthy winner of the 2026 Peter Frilingos Headline Moment of the Year.

Congratulations to Jai Arrow on claiming the Peter Frilingos Memorial Headline Moment of the Year. He joins Nathan Merritt (2009) and the Burgess family (2013) as Rabbitohs to win the award.