FNRL happy as wing Sivo continues his Eels’ stay
THE Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) is among the first to thank National Rugby League (NRL) overnight scoring sensation, Maika Sivo for renewing his contract with the Parramatta Eels.
The Fijian winger, fresh off a match-winning double against the Storm, was announced to have inked a two-year deal with the Eels on Tuesday.
The FNRL, after rumours of rugby union attempts top convert the former Fiji-based club Momi Tigers of Nadroga, is happy with the decision because he could be part of the Fiji Bati squad to the Rugby League World Cup in England later this year.
“We congratulate Maika on re-signing with the Eels,” FNRL acting chief executive officer Don Natabe said.
“He has made a significant decision and a decision we can all be proud of. Maika is an exceptional player. He has been drafted to the extended squad (Fiji Bati) that will be finalised mid this year.
“This will be his first Rugby League World Cup appearance and a rare opportunity to add a feather to the cap in his rugby career.”
NRL.com reported last week that an extension was being finalised.
There was reported interest in the 27-year-old from rival NRL clubs and overseas rugby, but Parramatta are delighted to keep him.
“Maika has played an important role in our team over the last two seasons and we are delighted that he will continue to bring excitement to our members and fans, especially at Bankwest Stadium,” Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said in a club statement.
Growing up in Fiji, Sivo started in rugby union before relocating to Australia where he played local league for the Gundagai Tigers.
He was picked up by the Panthers, developing in their reserve grade ranks, before making his NRL debut in 2019 for Parramatta.
An excellent finisher, Sivo has bagged 39 tries in the 48 matches he has played and won the 2019 Ken Irvine Medal after scoring 20 four-pointers.
Sivo is set to play against the Sharks on Saturday night at Bankwest Stadium, where he has amassed 26 tries in 24 games and often compels home crowds to chant his name.
“I love it here. This is my third year at Parramatta and I love the people at this club,” Sivo said.
His signature is a major coup for Parramatta given his surge to prominence as one of the NRL’s premier wingers, as seen with his remarkable match-winning try against Melbourne last weekend.
Sivo made his NRL debut with the Eels in 2019 and has quickly become a fan favourite, scoring an incredible 39 tries with the club to date.
He will play his 50th NRL game in Round 4 against Wests Tigers.
He represented Fiji in the inaugural World Cup Nines tournament in 2020.