NRL star Jai Arrow and his wife Berina Colakovic made for a very stylish couple as they attended the Dally M Awards in Sydney on Wednesday evening.
The South Sydney Rabbitoh star, who has medically retired from the NRL after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, looked dashing in a black tuxedo with a matching black dinner shirt and bow tie, while his stunning wife Berina Colakovic was elegant in a chic strapless feathered gown.
The brunette beauty completed her sophisticated ensemble with a pair of black heels and a sparkly silver handbag.
She wore her curly locks up in a sleek updo and was glowing in a flawless makeup palette.
Jai looked proud as punch to be on the arm of his supportive wife as they posed for the cameras on the red carpet.
This weekend’s NRL final will kick off with an emotional tribute to Jai, who will do a lap of honour to the Gerry and the Pacemakers classic You’ll Never Walk Alone, which will be performed by mystery Australian musicians.
NRL star Jai Arrow and his wife Berina Colakovic made for a very stylish couple as they attended the Dally M Awards in Sydney on Wednesday evening
Earlier this month, Jai revealed the very surprising silver lining to his motor neurone disease diagnosis, in a hilarious radio interview with his wife Berina.
The former South Sydney forward, 31, appeared on KIIS FM's breakfast show alongside Berina, and the pair shocked the hosts with a cheeky admission.
During the interview, co-host Mike Etheridge asked Jai if he missed being able to be physically active, as he undergoes MND treatment following his diagnosis in May.
'I can't run! At the moment I'm a bit uncoordinated and what-not. But it is what it is,' Jai began.
However, Jai cheekily admitted that a surprising silver lining was that his sex life with his wife Berina was currently better than ever.
'The orgasms are better! They are unbelievable,' Jai quipped.
Berina was left mortified by the admission, first uttering 'no, no, no' before Jai made the comments, clearly aware of what he'd be saying next.
'I didn't realise we were going to rehash that,' she said, hiding her head in her hands.
The South Sydney Rabbitoh star, who was forced into retirement after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, looked dashing in black tuxedo with matching black dinner shirt and bow tie, while his stunning wife Berina Colakovic was elegant in a chic strapless feathered gown
MND is a progressive neurological condition that damages the nerves responsible for controlling muscles, and it gradually affects movement, speech, swallowing and breathing.
Experts have noted that while MND can severely affect movement, sexual sensation and function may remain intact, with the increased emotional intimacy and focus on his relationship potentially making it feel more intense for Jai.
It follows reports that Jai is taking HIV medication and using hyperbaric chambers as he throws everything at his fight against MND.
The Sydney-born former athlete said his determination to slow the disease is driven by his one-year-old daughter Ayla and his wish to witness milestones like her first day at school and wedding.
Jai detailed his extensive treatment plan during a candid appearance on the Chats from a Chair podcast with Nick Dempsey.
Alongside medication prescribed by his neurologist, Jai is following a high-protein, anti-inflammatory diet and focusing on stress management.
There is currently no cure for MND, and hyperbaric chambers are not established treatments for slowing the disease.
Jai described them as part of his personal holistic approach alongside medical care, with his regimen including a medication most would not expect to be used against MND.
The couple also posed with fellow Rabbitohs star Campbell Graham
'I don't have it, mind you, but I'm on HIV medication,' Jai said.
'Why? I don't know. I'm doing what the neuro has told me to do.'
Jai said he understood the medication was intended to suppress activity within his body.
He said he was combining the medications with a broader approach to his health.
'I'm on them, but also taking a holistic approach,' he said.
'The biggest thing, I think, the two biggest killers, well three, one is stress management, diet, food you eat, then high-protein, anti-inflammatory diet. And people give up. And I have control over them.'
His speech has deteriorated, his left arm has become increasingly uncoordinated, and he can no longer spread his fingers or run.
Jai said the disease has also affected his emotions, leaving him prone to irritation and uncontrollable laughter during serious or emotional moments.
His first symptoms emerged during pre-season when he struggled with chin-ups, noticed changes in his speech and developed weakness and twitching in his arm and shoulder.

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