CAPTAIN WASN’T ON THE CARDS
JAI arrow has revealed how a physic predicted his exit from the Gold coast Titans where he held ambitions to captain.
The state of Origin representative (pictured) has opened up about the hopes he once had to lead the Titans as he prepares to play the south sydney rabbitohs for the first time since agreeing to join the rival club.
SOUTH Sydney-bound Jai Arrow has revealed he held ambitions of captaining the Gold Coast Titans.
Arrow will come up against the Rabbitohs for the first time on Saturday since signing a $3.2 million contract to join Souths from next year.
The Rabbitohs signed Arrow on Christmas Eve last year to replace the inspirational Sam Burgess, who was forced into retirement by a shoulder injury.
Souths won the tug of war for Arrow’s signature after blowing the Titans out of the water with a four-year deal worth $500,000 more than the Gold Coast’s offer.
A Gold Coast product, Arrow made his NRL debut for the Broncos in 2016, but it was a move to the Titans in 2018 that catapulted him into the State of Origin arena.
Arrow, 24, broke down informing the Titans of his decision to leave and was overlooked for the captaincy this year in favour of Kevin Proctor.
Arrow said he held ambitions of leading the Titans and once scoffed at a psychic’s prediction he would leave the club.
“I would have loved to have captained the club,” he said. “I thought I would definitely stay here for a long time (after leaving the Broncos). It’s my home town, I love it, I love the club.
“We were at the team hotel in Sydney for a game in 2018, my first year at the Titans, and there was a psychic card reader there.
“About 10 of us got chatting away to these ladies and one of them decided to do a cardreading session for us.
“She told me to pick a few cards and told me I would be leaving the Gold Coast.
“I thought ‘please, no chance, she’s off her head’. Twelve months later I was deciding to leave. I can’t knock her now.
“I’ve still got a job to do here. I’ve got to turn up every week and do my role for the team. I have to be a leader.
“I’m focused on playing good footy for the Titans. In a way it will be weird (to play the Rabbitohs) but I’ll go about my stuff as I usually do and hopefully perform against my future club.”
Arrow’s four appearances for the Titans this year have been at his usual high standard and the hardworking lock said he wanted to leave the Gold Coast on good terms.
“I’m way more comfortable with the decision now than when I had to tell everyone I was leaving the club,” he said.
“I was copping a bit of crap from the boys and coaching staff at the start but that’s all stopped now.
“It’s not going to change the way I play or act. I will always wear my heart on my sleeve. No matter what jersey I’ve got on, I will always play to the best of my ability.
“I want to have a good year and leave on good terms. That’s all I can really do.”
Coach Justin Holbrook said he was at peace with the Gold Coast’s decision and he expected Arrow to leave the Titans on a high.
“I accepted that when it happened, I’m not wasting any time thinking about that,” he said. “He is with us this year and we’re getting the best out of it. He will give his best. He’ll move on next year and so will we.
“No one can try any harder than Jai. He can never be accused of anything else than giving his absolute best.”