Maika Sivo has been one of the most consistent try scorers in the NRL in recent years. The Fijian flyer has scored 94 tries in 108 appearances for the Parramatta Eels. Now Super League clubs are circling to sign him.
Therefore, it was a huge surprise when news broke this morning that Sivo is likely to be made available for transfer. The Eels, who are searching for a new head coach, are reportedly willing to let Sivo leave, despite being under contract for next season.
The news is likely to put several Super League sides on alert, as players of Sivo’s calibre rarely hit the open market. His current salary of $550,000 may be a stumbling block for some clubs. However, for those with a marquee slot available, Sivo would be a brilliant addition to the squad.
A move to the Super League is now a realistic prospect. We have identified five clubs that may be interested in snapping Sivo up for 2025.
St Helens
St Helens will lose one of their key players next year, as Tommy Makinson leaves the club. Makinson has spent a glittering career with the Saints, however, he is expected to sign a deal to join the Catalans Dragons in 2025.
Head Coach, Paul Wellens, recently discussed the Saints’ options for replacing Makinson. Whilst Saints have several talented youngsters in the squad already, Wellens stated that he was open to looking to the transfer market for Makinson’s replacement if needed.
Blake could fit the bill perfectly for Saints if they do decide to sign a replacement. He is a prolific try scorer and has been one of the most consistent players in the NRL for several years.
With Waqa Blake yet to sign a new contract for 2025, the Saints have a decision to make on the wing for next season. Sivo’s availability could have come at the perfect time for the Red Vee.
The Leigh Leopards squad is in a period of flux, having suffered a string of departures in recent weeks. Key players such as John Asiata, Oliver Holmes and Tom Amone have agreed to leave the club.
Kai O’Donnell, Zak Hardaker and Ricky Leutele are rumoured to be on the verge of following them through the exit door.
If Hardaker and Leutele were to leave, this would create a huge hole in the Leopards’ back line, as both are first-choice centres this season.
Wingers Josh Charnley and Umyla Hanley have both signed new deals with the club. But the Leopards may choose to reshuffle their back line. Hanley is able to cover several positions, for example, so it may be that he moves to full-back or centre next season.
If he does, this would open up a spot on the wing for Sivo. Leigh owner, Derek Beaumont, has committed to spending the full cap, including all marquee spots, so Sivo’s salary will not be an issue. The departures of Amone and O’Donnell will also free up the necessary quota spot.
Could he be on the verge of a move to Leigh in 2025?
Leeds Rhinos’ Super League season has threatened to come off the rails, thanks to a string of injuries to their backs. First, David Fusitu’a was ruled out for a prolonged period with a serious knee injury.
Ash Handley and Harry Newman have both spent time out with injury. 17-year-old prodigy, Riley Lumb, shone in his first start for the Rhinos, before succumbing to a hamstring injury.
In the short term, Leeds have dipped into the loan market to bring Matty Russell to the club as cover. They have agreed to a deal to sign Ryan Hall for next year, however, he will retire at the end of 2025.
Young centre, Luis Roberts, who has been a regular in the first team this season is yet to agree a contract extension and could leave at the end of the season.
This may be where Sivo comes in. If the Rhinos feel they need further reinforcements in the backs, Sivo could be the perfect candidate. Although his marquee salary could be an issue for the Rhinos.
Hull FC
Hull FC’s disastrous 2024 season means that the squad requires a major overhaul for next season. As a result, every time a player hits the market, they are likely to be mentioned.
With Director of Rugby, Richie Myler, and new head coach for 2025, David Armstrong, now in place, the Black and Whites can begin the process of rebuilding in earnest.
FC’s backline has been a particular issue this season, with the club frequently relying on inexperienced youngsters in key games. Whilst they may have a huge future in the game, they lack the experience required for a full Super League campaign.
Sivo could be the perfect addition to Hull’s fragile backline. He would bring significant experience from his time with the NRL, and a potent attacking threat to an attack which has looked blunt at times.
Catalans Dragons
Catalans Dragons will lose two top-class wingers in the off-season. Tom Johnstone has already announced that he will join Wakefield Trinity in 2025. Tom Davies will leave the club at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to Hull KR.
This leaves the Dragons with two slots to fill on the wings. One is expected to be taken by Makinson from Saints. However, the other slot remains up for grabs.
The Dragons have been linked with several names, including Ash Handley from Leeds, and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Daniel Tupou. However, those names were mentioned before Sivo was known to be available.
Could his entry into the transfer market change the Dragons’ plans? He certainly fits the profile and has the quality and experience to replace Johnstone and Davies.