Jai Arrow was brought to tears as the NRL honoured him before the clash between two of his former clubs, the Rabbitohs and Broncos.

The former South Sydney lock, 30, announced last month that he was retiring on health grounds after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Before kickoff at Accor Stadium, both teams ran out in special jerseys featuring Arrow’s name, with South Sydney wearing an all-white strip. Arrow was then welcomed onto the field by the stadium announcer, accompanied by his partner Berina and daughter Ayla.

As he looked up and saw the crowd applauding, Arrow was overcome by emotion and collapsed into Berina’s arms.

Signs around the stadium read “Thank You Jai Arrow” and “Jai Keep On Fighting”, underscoring the support for the former NRL star.

After gathering himself, Arrow rang the bell, before players from both sides surrounded him with hugs and handshakes. He was also presented with commemorative jerseys by Rabbitohs captain Cody Walker and Broncos captain Adam Reynolds, both close friends of Arrow’s.

Commentator Peter Psaltis summed up the mood on the broadcast, saying: “Hardly a dry eye in the house.”

In another heartfelt gesture, Arrow was also named honourarily on the Rabbitohs’ bench.

Speaking to Channel 9 before the game, Arrow said: “It’s very surreal.

“I never anticipated any of this and truly, from the bottom of my heart, this means the world to me. I didn’t think that many people liked me.

“I’m just very grateful for my family and everyone that’s been a part of it.

“It is what it is. I’ve got a fight on my hands and I will fight.”

Over the weekend, Arrow also made an emotional appeal for support as he launched a fundraiser to assist his family.

In a video, he said: “Like many families facing MND, we have been thrown into a world filled with uncertainty, difficult decisions and challenges that we never imagined we would face.”

The tribute was followed by a dominant display from South Sydney, who stormed to a 30-0 halftime lead against Brisbane before finishing with a commanding 48-6 win.