Parramatta winger Maika Sivo went from hero to zero during the final stages of Friday evening’s loss to the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval, scoring a hat-trick before single-handedly denying his team any chance of a late comeback.
The 30-year-old, who spent the previous two weekends in the NSW Cup, celebrated his return to the first-grade team with three tries during the Round 8 contest.
However, with the Eels trailing by two points in the 70th minute, Sivo inexplicably forced his elbow into the head of Manly centre Reuben Garrick following a tackle.
“That is an absolute brain explosion,” Fox League commentator Warren Smith said.
“That is crazy stuff from Maika Sivo.
“This could be the game right here.”
After quickly consulting the footage, Sivo was put on report and sent to the sin bin, copping a chorus of boos as he exited the field.
“Totally unnecessary mate,” referee Gerard Sutton told Sivo before giving the Eels winger his marching orders.
To rub salt into the wounds, Garrick scored Manly’s fourth try of the evening moments later, all but securing victory for the hosts.
“I still can’t get over the actions of Maika Sivo, that was as crazy as it gets,” Smith muttered.
Four-time premiership winner Cooper Cronk responded: “That is stupid and silly from Maika Sivo.
“It’s cost his team an opportunity to win this game.
“Brad Arthur might have a stern talking to his winger.
“Sivo will regret his actions, big time.”
Fortunately for Sivo he will not be spending any time on the sidelines as a result, handed a grade one dangerous contact charge which results in a $3,000 fine with an early plea given it is his third and subsequent offence.
If Sivo fights the charge and is unsuccessful he is facing a two-game ban.
The Sea Eagles ultimately won the contest 32-18, rising to third on the NRL ladder.
“It was just a brain snap,” former New South Wales representative Michael Ennis said of Sivo’s misdemeanour after the game.
“I don’t know what he was thinking.
“It was just a blatant elbow to the back of the head … and he might spend some time on the sidelines.”
Earlier in the game, Parramatta teammate Ryan Matterson was also put on report for a suspected high tackle on Manly playmaker Luke Brooks.