Sivo sets 2020 target
2 019 National Rugby League (NRL) top try-scorer Maika Sivo is looking forward to another good season with the Parramatta Eels in 2020.
A finalist for the Dally M Rookie of the Year Award, Sivo claimed the 2019 Ken Irvine Medal for being the leading try-scorer, 22 in his debut year.
“2019 was amazing but it went quick,” the Momi, Nadroga native said yesterday while celebrating his first Christmas in four years with his family.
“It has been a good year and played alongside some of the good players. There have been some experienced players I played with who helped me.”
Sivo has extended his contract with Eels for the next two seasons. The new deal means the powerful winger will remain with the Club until the end of the 2021.
“It will be a good challenge for us, especially the way we played this year. I’m looking forward to next year.”
The 26-year-old said his best memorable moments this year was the arrival of his father in Australia to watch him play and being the top try-scorer.
“Dad came over and to be the top try scorer that is something I did not anticipate. Next year will be tough and I hope to score more tries.
“We have started pre-season, and the boys are really looking forward
to it. But it’s time to take a break to be with the family. This is my first Christmas in four years as I left in 2015, good to be back to see the whole family before I start training with the team again on January 6. At 25 years of age, Sivo made his Eels debut in Round 1 this year, quickly cementing his position in the team.
He topped off his incredible debut season playing for Vodafone Fiji Bati in the World Cup Nines tournament and playing in the Pacific Test in New Zealand this year. “Playing for Fiji Bati was a good challenge. Good to be in camp and be part of the team and the two wins topped it up. We have a couple of good players and some young ones coming up.”
He added that he has set his sights on the 2021 RLWC in England.
Sivo started playing for the Momi Tigers before joining the Gundagai Tigers and for St. Mary’s in the Ron Massey Cup competition.
Sivo then moved to the Mounties signing with their NSW Cup team in 2016, scoring 35 tries. The Cessnock Goannas had an opportunity early on to sign Sivo but failed to see his superstar potential.
He then signed with the Penrith Panthers until the end of the 2018 season, scoring 12 tries in his first season with the club. In 2018, Sivo signed a two-year deal with the Parramatta Eels.