South Sydney Rabbitohs recruit Jai Arrow has spoken about the abuse and death threats he and his family received after the incident with James Tedesco in State of Origin 3.
Speaking on SEN 1170 Breakfast, Arrow, who slammed an already unconscious Tedesco’s head into the ground in the incident, said the abuse he received after the match was quite hurtful.
“Yeah it was pretty bad to be honest,” Arrow said.
“I had some messages on social media that I probably can’t even repeat on radio. One of them was someone saying if I see you in the street I’ll hit you with a bus. Just stuff like that which was pretty weird.
“But I was very remorseful about the incident and not proud of what I did. I didn’t know he was unconscious.”
Arrow said his family also received threats, including his 11-year-old nephew.
“My mum got messages. My two sisters got messages. My little nephew got messages as well which was probably the biggest thing that annoyed me, being an 11-year-old kid getting threats of being bashed,” Arrow said.
“The incident all happened very quickly and I’ve apologised to James many times so I hope he forgives me.”
Arrow also said fellow off-season signing Josh Mansour was in attendance at the Rabbitohs' team dinner recently and spoke of his eagerness to play alongside the former Penrith winger.
“He hasn’t been to training but we actually had a team dinner last night and he came to that which was really good,” Arrow said.
“I actually sat next to him and got to know him and he’s definitely handy to have at the club. He’s one that you study his tape and watch his yardage carries.
“I can’t wait to get out there and train and play with him.”
The Rabbitohs will kick-off the 2021 NRL season when they travel to AAMI Park to take on reigning premiers the Melbourne Storm on Thursday, March 11.