Rugby League

Humble beginnings for NRL’s newest Fijian flyer

March 24, 2019 1:08 pm

Maiko Sivo dives over but the effort was disallowed on video review. {Source: The Sydney Morning Herald}

Fiji-born and Parramatta Eels flyer Maika Sivo remembers rugby league being a pay-per-view event in his tiny village of Momi in Nadi.

The Sydney Morning Heralds reports, Sivo used to pay 50 cents to watch Benji Marshall on TV and now Sivo is using his chance in the NRL to help build a new life for his people in Fiji.

Last Sunday, it was Sivo who everyone came to see.

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The Fijian winger made a memorable NRL debut, running for 111 metres and almost scoring a try – it was disallowed by the video referee – as part of a Parramatta side that won its first game on the road in more than 12 months.

Almost 100 people crammed into Sivo’s uncle’s house to witness it while some of the villagers got a prime spot in front of the television, others had to peer through doorways or windows to get a glimpse of the action.

Packed house: Family and friends in Fiji gather to watch Maiko Sivo’s NRL debut. {Source: The Sydney Morning Herald}

It is not the first time the Eels have had a hulking Fijian on their flank.

Semi Radradra went from kava farmer to the most destructive winger in the world during his stint with the blue and golds.

Sivo, also a farmer before catching the attention of talent scouts.

He will get another opportunity to showcase his talent in today’s clash with arch rivals Canterbury Bulldogs.

Eels will play the Bulldogs at 5.05 this afternoon while Wests Tigers meet Warriors 7.10 tonight.