South Sydney Rabbitohs enforcer Jai Arrow revealed that he is ready to go if he is selected to represent Queensland in State of Origin in June.
Arrow was an integral member of the Queensland Marrons squad from 2018 but was banned from Game III in 2021 for a COVID bubble breach and was fined $35,000 by the NRL.
The 26-year-old is desperate to repay the team for his mistake and said if he were given the opportunity to represent his state, he will not let the opportunity slip.
“If that opportunity arises and I get picked, 100 per cent (I’m playing),” Arrow said on Sportsday NSW.
“Obviously I love playing for Queensland and it’s something I’m very proud to do.
“Especially when I first came in seeing the likes of Billy Slater and Greg Inglis.
“There was so much excitement and nerves going through me.
“I love doing it … and it’s such a surreal week. You relish it every time you go in.
“I’m a Queenslander so if that opportunity comes, I’m going to take it with both hands, and I’d suppose repay the state back and the coaching staff.”
Arrow is infamous in New South Wales for slamming Blues captain James Tedesco into the ground after he had been concussed in the deciding game of the 2020 series.
Arrow is incredibly regretful of the incident and understands that it is something that will follow his career forever.
“I suppose it will (be remembered) forever,” Arrow said on the Tedesco incident.
“I’m very apologetic for it and I didn’t know (he was concussed).
“I suppose it lights fuel and brings the crowd into it as well.
“It’s such an exciting time and one of the biggest stages of rugby league.”
State of Origin Game I will be held in Sydney at Accor Stadium on June 8.