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They came in cardinal and myrtle party hats. They ate no less than 120 kilos of cake in honour of Jai Arrow’s birthday.
And they saw South Sydney withstand a desperate Newcastle fightback for a precious 26-24 triumph that may yet prove pivotal in their pursuit of finals.
Rabbitohs fans flooded Accor Stadium on Sunday afternoon in celebration of Jai Arrow’s 31st birthday, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese taking in the scenes alongside ARL chairman Peter V’landys, Play School luminary Big Ted and The Wiggles.
And with more than $1 million raised for Arrow, his family and motor neurone disease research, they also heard of Arrow’s plans to conquer, on a day when even an enthralling, last-minute finish came second to the inspirational forward.
“I want to build awareness on MND, to essentially find a cure for everyone moving forward,” Arrow told ABC Radio in a pre-game interview.
“That’s what I’m here to do. I’m here to help other people fighting the disease, build awareness. I’m here to beat the bastard.”
Across the next 80 minutes, Matt Dufty – three try-assists, four line-break assists and 215 running metres – emerged as the most dominant man on the field, while David Fifita was along for a rough and ready ride too.
A crowd of 30,113 took it all in, with Arrow, his wife Berina and daughter Ayla guests of honour and Ayla especially fond of The Wiggles’ half-time performance.
Kalyn Ponga and the irrepressible Knights had them on the edge of their seats too when three tries in seven minutes set up a grand stand finish.
Two tries to Ponga – the second courtesy of a magnificent lead-up featuring his own grubber and a fine Dylan Lucas flick pass – had Newcastle looming large after Souths had led 26-6.
When Sandon Smith busted through and Harrison Graham loomed in support, it was 26-24 with four minutes to play.
A Dufty fumble on the high ball gave Newcastle their chance. A fingertip from Tyson Frizell, and South Sydney’s judicious captain’s challenge, took it away.
Jack Wighton took out Ponga with 90 seconds to play to give the Knights one last crack. And then, fittingly because it’s Arrow’s party, Ponga’s last pass for Young sailed over the sideline.
South Sydney not only hung on for a stirring win without Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell, but shored up their spot at the bottom of the top eight as well.
It could yet come at a cost though given Bud Sullivan was forced off twice due to separate head knocks and back-rower Euan Aitken played just 14 minutes after reporting shortness of breath.
