Maika Sivo, a Fijian international, has signed a three-year contract with the Leeds Rhinos from the Parramatta Eels of the NRL.
The 31-year-old winger, who has scored 104 tries in just 115 games since making his NRL debut with the Eels in 2019, will rejoin his old Parramatta coach Brad Arthur at AMT Headingley.
Sivo, a native of Nadi, has earned 12 caps for his country, Fiji, and played for the Bati in the most recent Rugby League World Cup in 2022.
When Sivo signed with the Rhinos, he stated, “Brad is a big part of who and where I am today.” “I said, ‘I’m coming,’ when he sent me the message asking whether I wanted to come to Leeds.
He is very close to my family and has supported me throughout my football career.
Moving to the other side of the world was a significant decision for both my spouse and me. We were discussing it, but we were immediately looking forward to the task that lay ahead.
Because of everything the club has done for me over the years, Parramatta will always hold a very special place in my heart. At Leeds Rhinos, I can fulfill my commitment that I would never wear any other color.
Arthur, the coach of the Rhinos, expressed his happiness in having Maika join the team for the upcoming season.
In addition to being a great footballer, he is also a great guy.
I’ve seen him develop over the past few years, and I believe that moving to Leeds and playing in a new Super League league is the ideal opportunity for him.
He is the kind of player who gets you moving when he sprints with the ball, so I think Leeds supporters will love seeing him. He was adored by the Parramatta supporters.
I think this is a fantastic signing, not just for Leeds Rhinos but for the Super League competition, especially in the current market for players from the NRL,” said Ian Blease, sporting director for the Rhinos.
Maika will add strike to our back line and is a seasoned try scorer. With our recruiting, we want to strengthen our backline in two areas: depth and the ability to attack from all parts of the field.
For instance, Ash Handley was exceptional last season and earned our Player of the Year award, but he had to play through pain for extended periods of time in order to support the team. Now that we have depth to cover for injuries and competition for spots, everyone needs to give every training session their all.
I also want to express my gratitude to Parramatta Eels for handling Maika’s signing in such a professional manner.