A chorus of Jai Arrow's former teammates have joined the fundraising efforts ahead of Saturday's Stand with Jai Round with the Titans pledging a guaranteed minimum $15,000 prize pool for the 50-50 charity raffle.
The initiative forms part of a myriad of fundraising endeavours this week leading into the Round 26 clash against the Rabbitohs supporting Burleigh Bears junior and former Gold Coast forward Jai Arrow and his fight against motor neurone disease.
Arrow has been named in jersey #23 for South Sydney and will return to Cbus Super Stadium to lead their run-out in what will be declared his 99th Rabbitohs appearance - an occasion that has gained an overwhelming response from the rugby league community.
Among those include Titans old boys Anthony Don, Konrad Hurrell and Nathan Peats who played alongside Arrow during his three seasons on the Gold Coast.
Having been touched by their teammate's diagnosis, the trio are spearheading the club's 50-50 charity raffle by donning the iconic green aprons and hats to help raise money at Saturday's fixture.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A 50-50 CHARITY RAFFLE TICKET!
"It's a great initiative for Jai. You can't really relate to what he's going through. As a friend, all you can do is support him, and a lot of people who don't know him are supporting him," Peats said.
"We're going to try and raise as much money as possible for Jai so the more we can sell, the more money that goes to Jai.
"He's a good bloke and there's more to life than rugby league, but what rugby league does is brings the community together to come up with great ideas and initiatives.
"Together with Souths, it's going to be a special day with not just fundraising for him but with the Stand with Jai jersey and him running out in front of what is expected to be a bumper crowd.
"It's going to be a big day for both clubs and I'm looking forward to it."
Konrad Hurrell was part of the Titans squad in Arrow's first year at the club - witnessing him win the 2018 Paul Broughton Medal in the same season as he made his Origin debut.
He along with Peats want to do all they can to help him and his family.
"Like everyone else, I can't really explain how I felt when I first heard [of Jai's diagnosis]. It wasn't nice... it's something awful that's happened to an amazing person," Hurrell said.
"As a player, you'd pick Jai in the starting 13 for any team you're selecting. He'd do anything for his teammates and I think that's why everyone loved him at every club he was at.
"Off the field, he was also loved by everyone because he treated everyone like how he wanted to be treated.
"Forget about being a Titans fan or Rabbitohs fan this weekend... just come to the game and show your support to Jai.
"There's a minimum $15,000 guaranteed so I urge everyone to buy a 50-50 charity raffle ticket and if you can't make it to the game, you can buy tickets online to show your support.
"I'll say it in Tongan... we want to raise a lot of pa'anga for Jai and his family."
A number of Titans partners have also committed to the cause, led by principal partner The Lottery Office who are extending their contribution after previously announcing a $50,000 donation to Stand with Jai and MND Queensland last month.
During Saturday' half-time high ball challenge activation at the ground, they will also donate $100 for every ball caught by the two contestants to the Stand with Jai campaign.
"Jai inspired so many throughout his football career, but today it's his courage and resilience off the field that inspires us all," The Lottery Office CEO Jaclyn Wood said.
"We're proud to stand with him, the Titans and MND Queensland, playing our part in supporting those affected by motor neurone disease and helping more Queenslanders access the care they need.
"We hope this contribution inspires others to rally behind the MND community, investing in support and research that helps bring us one step closer to a cure."
Dynasty Sport continue to make available Stand with Jai jerseys to purchase via online pre-order on the Titans Shop, producing the specially-designed playing strip free of charge to allow all proceeds from sales to go to the Family of League's official fundraiser.
"When the Titans approached us for their Stand with Jai jersey, we not only wanted to help with designing a special tribute but live up to the concept and stand with Jai too," Dynasty Sport managing director Peter Rakich said.
"Helping contribute to the cause by absorbing the production costs ensures every dollar of each purchase goes towards the Arrow family and Jai’s courageous fight against MND - a battle that has inspired the entire rugby league community.
"It’s been great to see so much support with the incredible number of jerseys sold and know that will continue into this weekend’s game, allowing us to transfer a considerable sum of money to help Titan #133."
Executive partner Chempro will also contribute on game day through their pre-game activation - donating $100 for every ball that makes it through the Chempro cash throw goal.
"As long-time supporters of both the Titans and local charities connected to motor neurone disease, we’re honoured to support not only the MND community but Jai and his family in any way that we can," Chempro director Rob Clifford said.
