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 haunt her about their family’s future. The diagnosis has thrust Colakovic into a period of intense worry, particularly concerning their young daughter, Ayla, and whether she will truly know her father.

Navigating the Unknown After MND Diagnosis

Colakovic, a Canadian digital marketer who met Arrow in 2021, described grappling with denial in the initial stages following the diagnosis. She admitted to experiencing moments of deep sadness and fear, leading to distressing thoughts during everyday activities. “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?’ ‘Is she going to know her dad? Are we going to be able to grow our family?'” she confessed. “I’m scared, to be honest, of the unknown of the future.”

The first signs of Arrow’s MND appeared in the previous year, marked by an unexplained twitching sensation in his left shoulder. Colakovic recounted her struggle to accept the severity of the situation. “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.'”

A Heartbreaking Encounter and a Public Announcement

A particularly poignant experience occurred in November when Colakovic accompanied Arrow to an MND fundraiser. Witnessing a father whose speech had been significantly impacted by the disease left her deeply affected. “I remember thinking, ‘God, I hope this doesn’t happen to anybody. It’s horrible,'” she recalled. Just seven months later, the rugby league community was rocked by the news of Arrow’s retirement from the sport, announced at a press conference, bringing his MND battle into the public eye.

Arrow’s Active Response to His Health Challenge

Since his diagnosis became public, Colakovic noted that Arrow has been remarkably active. He has immersed himself in various health therapies, including seeking treatment at a world-class facility in Spain. Beyond personal health, Arrow has also dedicated significant effort to fundraising initiatives and organizing practical matters for his family’s future. “It’s stuff you don’t need to do when you’re 31,” Colakovic commented, highlighting the premature nature of these responsibilities.

Arrow himself has expressed a sense of urgency due to his condition. “Essentially, I don’t have time on my side,” he stated, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald. Despite the challenging circumstances, he also conveyed gratitude for the outpouring of support. “It’s been overwhelming, the amount of support, and I am truly enjoying life.” He has plans to travel to New York to watch the FIFA World Cup final with his wife, daughter, and mother, underscoring his commitment to cherishing present moments.

Community Support and Future Celebrations

The rugby league world has shown immense solidarity with Arrow. A special fundraising event was held at a Souths vs. Newcastle match, coinciding with Arrow’s birthday. Tributes and celebratory gestures dedicated to Arrow have been observed by players across the NRL, as well as in the AFL and England’s Super League. The Queensland State of Origin team also involved Arrow in their campaign, inviting him to camp and having him present the shield before the third game of the series.

Renewed Wedding Plans Amidst Adversity

In a testament to their enduring bond and commitment to celebrating life, Arrow and Colakovic are planning a second wedding ceremony in Italy later this year. This upcoming celebration will be a more public affair, intended for their friends and loved ones to attend, in contrast to their recent intimate ceremony. The couple had initially brought forward their wedding to July 5 in Sydney, exchanging vows in a secret ceremony in the city’s CBD. They chose to do so because Arrow was concerned that the progression of MND might prevent him from being able to say “I do” if they waited. Their one-year-old daughter, Ayla, was present at this private wedding.

Colakovic shared her excitement for the future Italian celebration on Instagram, writing, “Don’t know how Italy will top this one but we can’t wait to celebrate with all our family and friends.” The couple, who got engaged in Sicily in October 2024, announced they were expecting Ayla in December 2024, with their daughter born in April 2025. The initial wedding was attended by close family and friends, including The Beath’s family, who Colakovic thanked for witnessing their special day and looking after their daughter.

The news of their union was met with congratulations from numerous sports figures, including Liam Knight, Mark Geyer, Shayna Jack, and Adam Reynolds. Photos from the Sydney wedding depicted Arrow in a tuxedo and Colakovic in a white mini dress and veil, with their baby daughter present. The couple’s resilience and determination to focus on family and future celebrations, even in the face of Arrow’s challenging health battle, highlight their strength and the unwavering support surrounding them.