Berina Colakovic, wife of former rugby league star Jai Arrow, has candidly shared the profound emotional toll of his motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis, revealing the dark questions that plague her mind about their family’s future. The couple, who married in a secret Sydney ceremony on July 5, brought their wedding forward due to concerns about the progression of Arrow’s incurable condition.
Navigating the Unknowns of MND
Colakovic, a Canadian digital marketer who met Arrow in 2021, admitted to experiencing a period of denial following the initial symptoms of his illness. The first signs of MND appeared last year with a noticeable twitch in Arrow’s left shoulder. “I’ve been in denial,” Colakovic stated in a recent interview. “The whole time until we got the MND diagnosis in May I just said, ‘No, no, it’s not that.'”
The reality of the diagnosis, confirmed in May, has led Colakovic to confront deeply unsettling fears. “I have moments. I’ll be crying on the way to Ayla’s daycare and thinking, ‘Am I going to be a widow before the age of 40?'” she confessed. The uncertainty surrounding MND’s impact has left her questioning their ability to build a future together. “Is she going to know her dad? Are we going to be able to grow our family? I’m scared, to be honest, of the unknown of the future.”
A Heartbreaking Encounter and Public Announcement
A particularly poignant moment for Colakovic occurred at an MND fundraiser last November. Witnessing a father struggling with speech loss due to the disease left her deeply affected. “I remember thinking, ‘God, I hope this doesn’t happen to anybody. It’s horrible,'” she recalled. Just seven months later, her husband’s retirement from professional rugby league was announced, confirming the public’s awareness of his health battle.
Since his diagnosis became public, Colakovic described Arrow as “the busiest person in Australia.” He has been actively engaged in various health therapies, including seeking treatment at a world-class facility in Spain. Furthermore, Arrow is dedicating time to organizing practical matters for their family’s future, including “getting our life in order and figuring out things for Ayla’s future.” Colakovic noted the poignancy of these tasks for someone so young, adding, “It’s stuff you don’t need to do when you’re 31.”
Support from the Sporting Community and Future Plans
The sporting world has shown immense solidarity and support for Jai Arrow since his MND diagnosis. A special fundraising event was held during a South Sydney Rabbitohs match against Newcastle on Arrow’s birthday, highlighting the widespread admiration for the former player. Tributes and celebratory gestures have been observed across various rugby league competitions, including the NRL and England’s Super League, with players dedicating tries and goals to him.
The Queensland State of Origin team also integrated Arrow into their campaign, inviting him to their camp and allowing him to present the shield before the series’ final game. This gesture underscored the deep respect and affection he commands within the sport.
Despite the challenges, Arrow remains focused on living life to the fullest. He has plans to travel to New York with his wife, daughter, and mother to watch the FIFA World Cup final. “Essentially, I don’t have time on my side,” Arrow shared with the Sydney Morning Herald, acknowledging the urgency driven by his condition. “It’s been overwhelming, the amount of support, and I am truly enjoying life.”
A Second Wedding and Cherished Family Moments
The couple is planning a second, more public wedding ceremony in Italy later this year, intending to celebrate with their extended circle of family and friends. They became engaged in Sicily in October 2024. “Don’t know how Italy will top this one but we can’t wait to celebrate with all our family and friends,” Colakovic expressed on Instagram, announcing the upcoming celebration.
Their daughter, Ayla, born in April 2025, was present at their intimate Sydney wedding. Colakovic expressed gratitude for the support received during their elopement, thanking specific friends and family members who contributed to making the occasion special. Photos from the wedding depicted the couple celebrating with Ayla, with Arrow in a tuxedo and Colakovic in a white mini dress and veil.
The couple announced they were expecting their first child in December 2024, with Ayla’s birth following just over a year before Arrow’s public announcement about his health.
