The NRL is planning an exception to its rules to allow Jai Arrow to reach the 100-game milestone for the South Sydney Rabbitohs after retiring earlier this year due to a motor neurone disease diagnosis.
MND Australia describes it as an umbrella term for a group of progressive neurological conditions in which the motor neurones degenerate. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form, and is often called Lou Gehrig's disease.
As part of an agreement with the Rabbitohs, the NRL granted South Sydney special dispensation to include Arrow, 31, as an extra player on Tuesday's official team list and an additional interchange in their rotation for Saturday's game against the Gold Coast Titans.
A similar dispensation will be granted for South Sydney's final regular-season game against the Sydney Roosters.
According to the NRL, Arrow will get dressed in South Sydney playing kit on both matchdays, join the Rabbitohs in the dressing room, lead the team onto the field, become the team's first interchange within seconds of the opening whistle without taking part in any play, and then remain on the interchange bench in his playing kit for the rest of the game.
It will take Arrow's tally to 180 career NRL games and 100 for the Rabbitohs, in addition to his representative appearances for Queensland in the annual State of Origin series.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys said it was a chance for the sport to be a "conduit to bring out the best of humanity".
"This thoughtful gesture by the South Sydney Rabbitohs shows the true heart of our game," V'landys said. "Jai has inspired millions of people around the world with the courage and strength he has shown in his fight with MND. He is not only a great player, but an extraordinary person.
"Reaching 100 games for the Rabbitohs is a special achievement, one that Jai, his family and everyone who has supported him should be incredibly proud of. The entire rugby league community stands with Jai and is honoured to celebrate this remarkable milestone with him."
Rugby league star Rob Burrow and Scotland rugby union great Doddie Weir are among the high-profile sportsmen to have died from the illness in recent years.
