Jai Arrow’s search for a miracle has begun by walking on water. The workaholic Titans forward is well underway with his rehabilitation after surgery on the syndesmosis injury he suffered in the Round 14 clash against the Warriors at Cbus Super Stadium in June.
While recovery from a syndesmosis injury can sometimes mean up to 10 weeks on the sideline, a revolutionary “tightrope” surgery and some good old-fashioned hard work under the watch of Titans rehabilitation staff has given Arrow hope for a much earlier return.
The Queensland State of Origin forward is taking inspiration from his Maroons captain Daly Cherry-Evans, who made a return from the same injury and procedure after just six weeks to play in Origin I.
To assist in his recovery, Arrow has started running on an underwater treadmill at Atlantis Recovery Centre at Robina – with the water’s buoyancy taking the weight and strain off the injured ankle while it rebuilds its strength.
Arrow told Titans TV Cherry-Evans’ miracle return and the effectiveness of the water treadmill therapy had him aiming to resurrect his season in the local derby against the Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium in Round 19.
“This is my second run (on the underwater treadmill now, and I am actually sweating up, which is kind of weird,” Arrow said.
“It is a bit of a workout – I am actually struggling now, and I’ve still got a couple of minutes to go.
“The water is taking the pressure off the ankle. It is only 16 days post-surgery, so I love the thing. I will be back here a few more times before I play.
“We are looking at Round 19 (Broncos) or Round 20 (Roosters away game), so I will get the last six, or five, weeks in.
“Of I can aim for that and play some good footy towards the end of the year, hopefully I can get some confidence going for the 2020 season.”
