Berina Colakovic, wife of former rugby league star Jai Arrow, has candidly shared the profound emotional toll of his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis, revealing the dark questions that plague her mind about their family’s future. The couple, who married in a secret ceremony in Sydney on July 5, brought their wedding forward due to concerns about the progression of Arrow’s incurable condition.
Emotional Turmoil and Fear of the Unknown
Colakovic, a Canadian digital marketer who met Arrow in 2021, admitted to experiencing a period of denial following her husband’s health concerns. “I’ve been in denial,” she told News Corp. “The whole time until we got the MND diagnosis in May I just said, ‘No, no, it’s not that.'” This denial eventually gave way to deep-seated fears about what lies ahead.
The uncertainty surrounding MND has led Colakovic to confront devastating possibilities. “I have moments. I’ll be crying on the way to Ayla’s daycare and thinking, ‘Am I going to be a widow before the age of 40?'” she confessed. “Is she going to know her dad? Are we going to be able to grow our family? I’m scared, to be honest, of the unknown of the future.”
These anxieties were heightened when she witnessed the impact of MND firsthand at a fundraising event in November. Seeing a father whose speech had been severely affected by the disease left her deeply shaken. “I remember thinking, ‘God, I hope this doesn’t happen to anybody. It’s horrible,'” she recalled, a sentiment that tragically resonated with her own family’s reality just months later.
A Secret Wedding Amidst Health Challenges
The couple’s decision to marry in haste underscored the urgency they felt. Worried that the advancing symptoms of MND might prevent him from being able to say his vows, Jai Arrow and Berina Colakovic exchanged rings in a private ceremony in Sydney’s central business district. Their one-year-old daughter, Ayla, was present for the occasion. Arrow has previously spoken about Ayla being a significant source of inspiration as he navigates his fight against MND.
Colakovic described the experience of attending the fundraiser as “heartbreaking.” The stark reality of the disease became undeniable when Arrow’s retirement from rugby league was announced at a press conference seven months after the fundraiser, sending shockwaves through the sporting community.
Arrow’s Proactive Approach to His Health and Future
Since his diagnosis became public, Jai Arrow has been remarkably active. Colakovic noted that he has been “the busiest person in Australia,” dedicating himself to various health therapies and fundraising efforts. He has sought world-class treatment, even traveling to a specialized facility in Spain.
Beyond immediate health concerns, Arrow is also focused on securing his family’s long-term future. “He’s also organising ‘things like getting our life in order and figuring out things for Ayla’s future’,” Colakovic shared. “It’s stuff you don’t need to do when you’re 31.” This proactive approach includes planning for Ayla’s upbringing and ensuring her well-being.
Widespread Support from the Sporting World
The rugby league community and beyond have rallied strongly around Jai Arrow. A special fundraising celebration was held during the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ match against Newcastle on his birthday, with players from the NRL, Australian Football League (AFL), and England’s Super League showing their support through unique try and goal celebrations dedicated to him.
The Queensland State of Origin team also included Arrow in their campaign, inviting him to their camp and allowing him to present the shield before the third game of the series. This gesture highlighted the deep respect and affection he commands within the sport.
Looking Ahead: Future Celebrations and Continued Fight
Despite the gravity of his diagnosis, Arrow remains determined to live life to the fullest. He has revealed plans to travel to New York with his wife, daughter, and mother to watch the FIFA World Cup final. “Essentially, I don’t have time on my side,” Arrow told the Sydney Morning Herald, acknowledging the urgency but also expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support. “It’s been overwhelming, the amount of support, and I am truly enjoying life.”
The couple is also planning a second, more elaborate wedding celebration in Italy later this year, inviting friends and family to share in their joy. They became engaged in Sicily in October 2024. “Don’t know how Italy will top this one but we can’t wait to celebrate with all our family and friends,” Colakovic posted on Instagram, sharing the heartwarming news.
The initial secret wedding on July 5 was attended by a select group, including the Beath family, who Colakovic thanked for witnessing their union and looking after their “little angel” Ayla Rae. Photos from the event show Arrow in a tuxedo and Colakovic in a white mini dress and veil, celebrating with their daughter.
The couple announced they were expecting Ayla in December 2024, with their daughter born in April 2025. Arrow’s public announcement of his MND diagnosis followed just over a year later, marking a difficult but bravely faced chapter for the family.
