Former NRL winger Maika Sivo has spoken to the media for the first time since joining Leeds Rhinos.
The 32-year-old scored 104 tries in 115 NRL appearances, making him one of the elite try-scorers across that time, despite only making his competition debut in 2019 at the age of 26.
His rookie season saw him score 20 tries – one off the record of 21 – and despite a number of serious injuries across the next few seasons, he continued his excellent scoring form all the way through to 2024, scoring 17 tries in 12 games for Parramatta Eels.
His signing for the Rhinos sees him reunite with Brad Arthur.
100 NRL try ace talks competition and explains decision after Leeds Rhinos signing
Speaking to club media after the deal was announced, Sivo explained: “Well [Brad Arthur]’s a big part of where I am today, I wouldn’t be here without Brad.
“As soon as he flicked me the message I said he’s a big part of my life, he helped me along the way with my footy career and he’s very close to my family too, so yeah – it was a big reason.”
His signing means he’ll be up against some of Super League’s greatest try-scorers of the last decade, in Ash Handley and the returning Ryan Hall.
Sivo said: “They’re very class wingers, and they play for their country.
“It’ll be good learning some stuff off them and at the same time, it will be a good competition for the wing spot – I’m looking forward to it.”
Another thing he says he is relishing is the Headingley atmosphere, saying: “The boys I’ve been speaking to, they said it doesn’t stop from the first minute to the last minute.
“So I’m excited, I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait to come there and meet the fans in there.”