Billy Slater's telling move for Jai Arrow after State of Origin scandal
New Queensland coach Billy Slater has reached out to Maroons forward Jai Arrow following his trouble last year during camp.
Arrow made headlines last year when he breached biosecurity protocol and secretly invited a woman into the team hotel.
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The Maroons forward was kicked out of the team, missing Game III of the series, and putting his future in State of Origin in series doubt.
However Arrow has now revealed how new coach and Maroons legend Slater reached out to him in the off-season.
Arrow said a number of teammates were invited and Slater reached out to him to clear the air.
“That was good that he invited me and we got to sit down and speak about what it means to be a Queenslander," Arrow told The Herald Sun.
“Obviously I am very grateful. It was a time in my life that was pretty rough but something I had to put up with and not dwell on."
Arrow admitted Slater was a huge inspiration for him and that he wanted to be back in the Maroon jumper.
“I would be lying if I didn’t say I was thinking about it. Having a taste of Origin and being part of it – I have played nine games now – I want more. I met with the QRL.”
Jai Arrow's tough Queensland camp
The NRL didn't look kindly on the South Sydney forward for his breach of the league's bio-security rules, with Arrow banned for two games and fined $35,000.
Arrow was widely condemned across the rugby league world at the time, with stunned former players labelling him "selfish" and "stupid".
Perhaps the biggest reality check for the 25-year-old has come from his on-again, off-again girlfriend Taylah Cannon.
Arrow and Cannon - a former Miss World Australia - appeared to be back on after they were photographed outside the Origin sheds after Game I in Townsville.
However when the scandal made headlines, Cannon unfollow the NRL star on social media and the relationship appears over.
The Arrow investigation came the same week the NRL fined 13 St George Illawarra players a combined $305,000 for breaking NSW public health orders by partying at now-sacked Dragons prop Paul Vaughan's house.
NSW won the State of Origins series 2-1 with the Maroons winning the final game after a string of injuries to the Blues.
Maroons coach Paul Green was replaced with Slater after the series.
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