READY TO AIM UP
Covid controversy was ‘pretty low point’ in the life of recalled Arrow Sunday, June 26, Perth
Kalyn Ponga Selwyn Cobbo Valentine Holmes Dane Gagai Murray Taulagi Cameron Munster Daly Cherry-evans (c) Lindsay Collins Ben Hunt
Josh Papalii
Kurt Capewell Felise Kaufusi Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
MAROONS hard man Jai Arrow insists his Covid controversy won’t define him as Queensland’s villain prepares for a fiery return to the State of Origin arena.
Arrow will pull on a Maroons jersey this weekend for the first time since being banished from last year’s series following a breach of the NRL’S biosecurity protocols.
Arrow was rubbed out of the 2021 dead rubber after inviting people from outside Queensland’s “bubble” into Camp Maroon on the Gold Coast.
He was immediately sent back to Sydney via road and forced to spend a fortnight in self-isolation, a lonely time in which he contemplated the direction he was heading.
Arrow, 26, was then overlooked by new Queensland coach Billy Slater for this year’s series opener. However, an injury to game-one hero Reuben Cotter has opened the door for him to return in Perth on Sunday.
Arrow said he had overcome the mental toll of his scandal and was ready to repay the faith.
“I’ve come a long way,” he said. “That one mistake wasn’t going to define me as a person or my character. I had to get back to what I knew and make myself happy again.
“I’m very grateful that I’ve been given this opportunity to put the jersey back on after a pretty low point in my life.
“It means everything to me. It’s something you dream of as a kid.
“I’m going into my 10th game now, which is pretty crazy. I love putting on the jersey and the challenge, it’s the pinnacle of rugby league.”
Arrow has rarely been far from controversy in Origin. In the 2020 decider, he picked up concussed Blues skipper James Tedesco and ragdolled him, prompting a furious backlash from south of the Tweed.
Arrow may have a target on his back at Optus Stadium but he is happy to play the villain.
“I wear my heart on my sleeve,” he said. “I am pretty passionate about the game and can get a little bit fired up.
“That doesn’t define me as a person off the field. I am an easygoing guy who gets along with anyone and has a lot of time for people. That doesn’t worry me.
“I didn’t know he (Tedesco) was knocked out. I can’t do anything if people hate me. What am I meant to do?”
Slater told Arrow his omission from game one had nothing to do with last year’s drama and he was 18th man for Queensland in Sydney.
He will come off the bench as the Maroons look to win back the shield in Perth and Slater said Arrow’s attitude had earned him a recall.
“Jai has earnt his spot in our squad and 17,” Slater said.
“I wasn’t involved last year so he’s earnt that through his actions this year. I’ve got a relationship with Jai. I played with him and know what he brings to a footy team.
“He would have been disappointed not making the 17 in game one but the opportunity has come up in game two and I’m sure he’s going to be ready.
“It was a tough conversation in game one to tell him he wasn’t in the 17 but his attitude was second to none throughout the whole week.
“He’s played nine games for Queensland already and is very experienced in this arena. We’ve got the luxury of bringing him in.”