Billy Slater and Andrew Johns have raised concerns over the future of Rabbitohs star Jai Arrow, with a shoulder injury continuing to plague the representative forward.
The 28-year-old suffered a rotator cuff injury early in the season and spent time on the sidelines, but has returned in recent weeks after delaying season-ending surgery.
Arrow was spotted on the turf multiple times during South Sydney’s 42-12 loss at the hands of Penrith on Thursday night, but managed to see out the game.
READ MORE: Cowboys ‘resilience’ under question in horror run
READ MORE: Storm star reveals extent of ankle injury in latest blow
READ MORE: Ricciardo goes from hero to zero in horror F1 collapse
The back-rower finished with 109 run metres against the Panthers – the most of any Bunnies player – while also making 38 tackles in a tireless performance.
Speaking on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show, Slater questioned whether Arrow should be undergoing surgery now and whether the injury could impact him long-term.
“He’s gonna have to get an operation at some time,” the Storm legend said.
“He’s obviously fit enough to play the moment, but he looks to be in some level of discomfort. The club have got to look after their player.
“If he’s not in a state to play and it’s going to be detrimental to his longevity and his life after football, he needs to get the operation.
“You’ve got to rely on the medical staff at South Sydney.”
Arrow has been a mainstay of the Rabbitohs forward pack since joining the club in 2021, and has represented Queensland a dozen times at State of Origin level.
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
But according to Johns, it could be time for Arrow to make the “selfish” decision in order to perform at an optimal level into his 30s.
“A couple of times, Jai made a tackle or just fell and was in agony,” he said.
“Jai is at a stage of his career, late 20s … do you think he should just bite the bullet? Let’s be honest, they’re not gonna make the semis. Does he need to be selfish and look after his longevity by getting the operation soon, rather than waiting?
“We’re not second-guessing the medical staff at South Sydney, it’s just from the outside looking in, the other night he looked absolutely busted.”
The casualty ward at Redfern only grew in round nine, with Cameron Murray set to miss up to two months with a hip flexor injury, while halfback Dean Hawkins (quad) and fullback Jye Gray (ankle) are also set for stints on the sidelines.
