Eels winger free to play despite court date

The NRL has decided to allow Parramatta Eels winger Maika Sivo to play in the opening round of the 2020 season despite his upcoming court date.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, NRL Chief Executive Todd Greenberg is not expected to enforce the ‘no fault stand down’ policy.

This will allow Sivo to play for the Eels in their season opener against the Bulldogs, coincidentally on the very same day as the courting hearing which Sivo is not required to attend.

Under the ‘no fault stand down’ policy, the NRL can stand down a player who is facing serious criminal offences.

Despite this, the NRL has decided against sanctioning the Fijian winger after his court case was adjourned to the opening night of the new season on Thursday 12 March.

The NRL may have to sanction Sivo afterwards depending on the court’s verdict, with the 26-year-old up for Indecent Annoyance after allegedly touching a waitress’ skirt when on a trip home to Fiji over Christmas.

For now, the NRL Integrity Unit is satisfied that Sivo can continue playing until the matter is resolved in court.