Leeds Rhinos' Maika Sivo outlines plan to take chance - The Mirror

Prolific Fiji winger, 31, was a big success in the NRL but he faces some tough competition to nail down a Headingley spot

Maika Sivo is ready to fight prolific Ash Handley and Ryan Hall for a Leeds wing spot - especially now he has a bed to sleep in.

The Fiji international is one of the Rhinos’ big signings for 2025 after arriving from Parramatta Eels on a three-year deal. Sivo, 31, scored 104 tries in just 115 NRL games to prove his attacking prowess. But Leeds already have England star Handley and returning legend Hall - Super League’s greatest-ever try-scorer - in the Headingley fold.

Three into two won’t go so boss Brad Arthur could have big decisions to make. But Sivo insisted: “It’s good. It’s healthy competition we have with Hally, Ash and a few young boys who are pushing for spots, too.

“It’s made us all get better at every training session. It’ll be good - but it all depends on Brad who he picks on Boxing Day for that first game.”

Rhinos face Wakefield in their traditional festive friendly when fans could get to see other new arrivals including ex-England star Jake Connor and Samoa prop Keenan Palasia. Sivo is definitely settling into life in West Yorkshire after he and his young family made the trip over from Sydney.

He said: “It’s been good. It’s been a few weeks now - and our furniture finally arrived this morning. The beds are the things I’ve missed the most. We’d been sleeping with the kids!

“But we’re all sorted now - and I can’t wait to get going in Super League.”

Sivo, who spent five years under Aussie coach Arthur at Parramatta, joined the Rhinos squad on Thursday visiting children who are unfortunately in Leeds General Infirmary as the festive season approaches. He said: “It’s always a humbling experience, especially at this time of year.

“It’s always good to go see the kids. It puts a smile on their faces - and on ours. At my old club [Parramatta] we used to go to the Ronald McDonald House [linked to Sydney Children’s Hospital].”

Sivo still had a year left on his Parramatta deal but was released to join Leeds, who are mourning the death of their legendary ex-Great Britain centre Syd Hynes at the age of 80. He admitted: “I can’t wait to play under Brad again.

“I obviously know him well. He’s straight-forward and tells you what you need to do. Some of the boys say it’s more attacking footy here compared to NRL. But the only thing I’m focused on is bringing my A game every time I get to play.”

Meanwhile, Hull owner Adam Pearson has completed the sale of the club to Andrew Thirkill and David Hood, former Hull KR head coach James Webster has returned to the Robins as a specialist half-back coach for their academy and Kangaroos ace Isaah Yeo has won the Golden Boot.