League Express exclusively disclosed yesterday that Super League clubs had the option to recruit Parramatta Eels winger Maika Sivo.
Although he is under contract with the Eels until the end of 2025, the Fijian has found his possibilities as a regular first-team player in the NRL to be limited in 2024. Nevertheless, the Eels will not stand in his way should another team come knocking. Which three Super League teams, though, might Sivo sign with?
St Helens
At the end of the 2024 Super League season, Waqa Blake and Konrad Hurrell will no longer be at St Helens, while Tommy Makinson will also be leaving for the Catalans Dragons. Saints need a new winger, and blockbusting Sivo would provide them plenty of pace and strength out wide if they don’t offer Blake and Hurrell new contracts. Even if Parramatta is eager to let go, the 30-year-old still has a number of years left at the top, so it might be to the Saints’ advantage.
Leigh Leopards
The Leopards require outside backs after losing players to Hull FC, such as Zak Hardaker and Tom Briscoe. Josh Charnley and Gareth O’Brien have joined on, however Leigh will likely lose quota players Kai O’Donnell and Tom Amone, while John Asiata has already committed to Hull until 2025. Maika Sivo would strengthen the Leopards’ wide defence and increase their offensive capability. Another reason why losing Briscoe was crucial is that he always provides value while coming out of defence. Sivo could fill that void as well.
Leeds Rhinos
David Fusitu’a for Maika Sivo? Given that Fusitu’a suffered numerous injuries while at Headingley, the trade might be a straight-for-straight one. Head coach Rohan Smith must sign outside back reinforcements for the Rhinos in 2025 because Luis Roberts’ departure is also anticipated. Sivo’s strength would add another level of complexity to an assault for Leeds that is in dire need of meter-eating backs.
Catalans Dragons
While Catalans have seen recent success in the international market, the departure of two of its quota places, Siosiua Taukeiaho and Matt Ikuvalu, makes room for Sivo. With a point to prove after being dropped by the Eels, the strong winger would be a more than suitable substitute for players like Tom Davies and Tom Johnstone, who are both returning to England at the end of the season.
