By Associate Professor David Greening, Gregory Hills and Bowral fertility specialist
As the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ fertility partner this season, City Fertility has enjoyed working with the Bunnies to help normalise conversations around male fertility and educate men – players and fans alike – on their reproductive health.
A milestone night for Jai Arrow
On Friday, the 4th of September, that partnership took on a particularly meaningful significance. Proud City Fertility specialist, Associate Professor David Greening, joined more than 41,000 fans at Allianz Stadium to witness Jai Arrow’s 100th appearance for the Rabbitohs.
The milestone marked Jai’s final appearance for South Sydney following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). This brought together players, supporters and the broader rugby league community for an emotional tribute to his career, courage and contribution to the Club.
For A/Prof Greening, being there was an experience he will not soon forget.
“To be in the stands at such an important occasion was somewhat indescribable – it sure is something special to have everyone singing from the same song sheet … literally. ‘You’ll never walk alone’, it’s goosebump territory and more than a little emotional.
The atmosphere in and around the stadium was electric, and the anticipation among the 41,000-strong crowd palpable as we all waited for Jai to lead his Rabbitohs and their fiercest of rivals, the Sydney Roosters, out onto the sold-out ground as a player one last time.
As this legend of the game stepped out from the tunnel, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, and it was with immense pride that we all witnessed Jai walk onto the hallowed Sydney turf with the same fearless, brave spirit we have come to love from him.”
Fertility preservation during serious illness
For A/Prof Greening, who has spent his career supporting people to build their families, the occasion also highlighted the importance of considering future fertility when someone is facing a serious medical diagnosis.
Some illnesses and medical treatments can affect fertility. Where circumstances allow, discussing fertility preservation with an appropriate specialist before treatment begins can help people understand the options available to them and make informed decisions about their reproductive future.
“As a proud father myself whose job it is to help those couples or individuals realise their dream of a family, it is comforting to know that Jai and his beautiful wife, Berina, have frozen embryos to ensure their fertility future, and perhaps one day welcome a sibling for little Ayla Rae who couldn’t be more loved.
Having the foresight to do that is a pragmatic, yet emotional undertaking; thinking about fertility even during the stress and pressure of an MND diagnosis and its effects, is not easy.
As a doctor, I know all too well how challenging our health can be; we can go from a picture of health one day to our knees the next, due to a life-shattering diagnosis, whether it be MND or fertility-related.”
The evening was also a reminder of the strength of the community surrounding Jai and his family.
Rabbitohs teammates, coaching staff, supporters and the broader NRL community have rallied around Jai since his diagnosis. With his 100th appearance becoming a celebration not only of his rugby league career, but of the impact he has had on those around him.
“As the game played out on Friday night and the celebrations of both Jai’s career achievement and his teammates’ spot in the top eight, it would be remiss of me not to mention club management.
It’s been a privilege to see first-hand how club CEO Blake Solly, Coach Wayne Bennett and the NRL machine have rallied around Jai and his family. To see the Bunnies roast the chooks at home, was icing on the cake.
And to be a small part of the parochial Rabbitohs family, albeit it in a fertility education capacity, we will be cheering on Jai and the Bunnies as the season comes to the pointy end.”
More than a sporting partnership
For City Fertility, our partnership with the Rabbitohs is about more than sport. It provides an opportunity to encourage conversations about reproductive health, particularly among men, who may otherwise be less likely to seek fertility information or support.
Jai’s milestone was an extraordinary reminder of resilience, family and community.
As A/Prof Greening reflected:
“My father used to say, it’s not how you deal with the easy times that shows your character, it’s how you navigate the tough times.
I stand with Jai Arrow on this one, as do my entire City Fertility family.”
