Maika Sivo

Maika Sivo could join an elite group of Fijian flyers to top the NRL’s try-scoring charts in his rookie year with the race for the Ken Irvine Medal wide open.

With two rounds to go in the regular season, Sivo has crossed 16 times to be only one try behind leader Latrell Mitchell.

Rookie Manly winger Reuben Garrick is also still in the hunt, level with Sivo on 16, as is Warriors flyer Ken Maumalo.

All four of the leading contenders would achieve something remarkable if they finish top, but it is Sivo’s story that is most compelling.

Only three players have claimed the top try scorer’s mark in their rookie season over the past 30 years and two of them are Fijians.

Noa Nadruku did it of the Canberra Raiders’ in his rookie year of 1993 with 22 tries, while Suliasi Vunivalu scored 23 in 2016 for Melbourne Storm.

But Sivo only began playing rugby league four years ago.

Sivo’s final-round match at 9:55 tomorrow night against Brisbane Broncos could well decide the top try-scorer prize.