Arrow makes impact
Lock more than up to challenge after move into front row
THERE were two factors that appeared set to rob Jai Arrow of a starting jersey for his Gold Coast debut. Good luck taking it off him now.
When Arrow signed at the Titans for 2018, he was instantly pencilled in as a lock for the No.13 jersey.
Then Bryce Cartwright joined. Then Arrow suffered a rib injury.
Just as the world seemed to be conspiring against him, Arrow was somewhat surprisingly thrown into the frontrow spot usually reserved for the suspended Jarrod Wallace and was backed to the hilt by coach Garth Brennan.
Such was Arrow’s response on Sunday night against the Raiders, he might well be there to stay.
Arrow aggressively punched above his weight against the monster Canberra pack to run 138m to go with his 21 tackles.
His more experienced front-row partner Leilani Latu, while offering plenty of skill and heart, looked more likely to be caught out defensively.
“To be honest, not at all – especially with no trials,” Arrow said when asked if he could have seen a front-row start coming for Round 1.
“I can’t thank Garth enough for the opportunity he gave me (to start); I loved every minute of it and I was so proud to go out there and represent my hometown.”
As for what he had thought upon it becoming clear Cartwright would slot into the No.13: “I guess as footy players we love challenges,” Arrow said.
“It’s a challenge for me now to try to play good footy and it’s a challenge for Bryce now to try to play good footy, which is good for the team.
“I am so happy that Bryce is here at the club. He is a very good bloke.”