Arrow hoping PM's XIII combinations carry into World Cup 9s
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Titans forward Jai Arrow is treating Friday night's Prime Minister's XIII clash against Fiji as the perfect appetiser to the World Cup 9s.
The PM's XIII squad features 11 players picked by Mal Meninga for the Nines tournament starting from October 18.
Arrow, who is set to play in his first representative fixture in green and gold, hasn't played a game since the Titans' final loss to St George Illawarra in round 25 over a month ago.
He revealed his troubled ankle injury, which saw him miss two months of action, continued to linger but it won't stop him representing his country.
"It's not 100 percent but it's getting there, I definitely need a game under my belt before the [9s] tournament," Arrow told NRL.com in Suva.
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"I've put on a couple of kilos since we finished up so it's going to be interesting to see how I go but I have been training and I think fitness will play a big part.
"Any time you pull on a rep jersey it's special but to make the PM's and Australian team this year is an honour."
Arrow has some experience in the shortened format of the game after having been part of the Broncos' Auckland Nines squad in 2016.
"It was just fast, there's not a whole lot of time to think and it's about how well you can get the ball around the park," Arrow said.
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"For us big men it will be a challenge but we've gone for a fast and mobile side with guys like AJ Brimson and Josh Addo-Carr looking to get into space. For the fans, it's probably more fun to just sit back and watch.
"I'm still getting to know a lot of the boys in this squad. You play against them on a weekly basis but then it's up to you how well you come together."
Arrow's first visit to Fiji coincides with his partner Taylah's birthday and the pair will have a decision to make over the coming months about the 24-year-old's future.
The Maroons representative is free to negotiate with rival clubs and is one of the most in-demand forwards of the game – causing interest amongst the fans and media.
"I want to win a competition and I believe we have the players to do that at the Titans," Arrow said.
"My preference is to stay as my family is settled on the Gold Coast but we understand it's a business and players have got to do what's best for themselves.
"I'm a laid-back guy and appreciate what the club has done so I won't rush into a decision anytime unless we're told."
For ticket and travel packages for the Downer Rugby League World Cup 9s Sydney 2019, head to nrl.com/tickets.
