Sivo's season over before it has begun
Maika Sivo in action for Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that new recruit Maika Sivo has suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury, and will be ruled out for the entirety of the 2025 Super League season.
Sivo only joined Leeds ahead of this season from Parramatta, penning a three-year deal in West Yorkshire at the end of an NRL career which brought 104 tries in 115 appearances – all for the Eels.
The Fijian was forced off towards the end of the first half of the Rhinos’ pre-season friendly against Wigan Warriors on Sunday at Headingley after failing in his attempt to stop a kick over the top from Bevan French..
Needing aid from two of the club’s medical staff, the winger struggled to walk and refused the aid of a stretcher.
Post-match, head coach Brad Arthur detailed that Sivo would have scans today (Monday), and those scans have revealed an ACL injury which will require surgery, and rule the Nadi native out for the year, the club have now confirmed.
“Our medical team will make sure he has the best possible treatment to come back from the injury as soon as possible.
“Maika is a strong character and I am sure he will throw himself into his recovery to get back to his best.”
Leeds won Sunday’s game – which doubled up as Ash Handley’s testimonial – 22-4, with tries from Handley, Cam Smith, Ryan Hall and Harry Newman.
The result though now seems even more inconsequential that it did previously, with the Rhinos having lost one of their overseas recruits for the remainder of the year.
Providing comment on whether a replacement would be sought for Sivo, Sporting Director Ian Blease added: “This is a extremely tough blow for us as a club, but especially devastating for Maika who has fitted in so well in our group.
“We were all excited to see what he could do in Super League in 2025 but we will just have to wait for that now.
“In terms of our squad, we will need to review the full situation and look at all our options.
“We have some outstanding young players who could well now get the opportunity to grab their chance, and I will be discussing all our options with the club, Brad and the coaching staff in the coming weeks ahead of the season kicking off.”
Leeds Rhinos suffer mammoth injury blow as Maika Sivo prognosis confirmed
Ben Olawum
Maika Sivo in action for Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that new recruit Maika Sivo has suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury, and will be ruled out for the entirety of the 2025 Super League season.
Sivo only joined Leeds ahead of this season from Parramatta, penning a three-year deal in West Yorkshire at the end of an NRL career which brought 104 tries in 115 appearances – all for the Eels.
The Fijian was forced off towards the end of the first half of the Rhinos’ pre-season friendly against Wigan Warriors on Sunday at Headingley after failing in his attempt to stop a kick over the top from Bevan French..
Needing aid from two of the club’s medical staff, the winger struggled to walk and refused the aid of a stretcher.
Post-match, head coach Brad Arthur detailed that Sivo would have scans today (Monday), and those scans have revealed an ACL injury which will require surgery, and rule the Nadi native out for the year, the club have now confirmed.
Leeds Rhinos suffer mammoth injury blow as Maika Sivo prognosis confirmed
In a press release, Arthur said: “Our first thoughts are with Maika and we will all get round him and give him and his family our support.“Our medical team will make sure he has the best possible treatment to come back from the injury as soon as possible.
“Maika is a strong character and I am sure he will throw himself into his recovery to get back to his best.”
Leeds won Sunday’s game – which doubled up as Ash Handley’s testimonial – 22-4, with tries from Handley, Cam Smith, Ryan Hall and Harry Newman.
The result though now seems even more inconsequential that it did previously, with the Rhinos having lost one of their overseas recruits for the remainder of the year.
Providing comment on whether a replacement would be sought for Sivo, Sporting Director Ian Blease added: “This is a extremely tough blow for us as a club, but especially devastating for Maika who has fitted in so well in our group.
“We were all excited to see what he could do in Super League in 2025 but we will just have to wait for that now.
“In terms of our squad, we will need to review the full situation and look at all our options.
“We have some outstanding young players who could well now get the opportunity to grab their chance, and I will be discussing all our options with the club, Brad and the coaching staff in the coming weeks ahead of the season kicking off.”
