Sivo’s blunder costs Parramatta Eels in Manly Sea Eagles loss

Maika Sivo’s future with the Parramatta Eels is uncertain following a mistake that led to his team missing out on an upset win against Manly in round 8 of the 2024 NRL season.

In the absence of their injured halfback Mitchell Moses, the Eels faced a challenge against the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on Friday evening.

Despite being the $3.50 outsiders with the leading NRL bookmakers, the Eels started off strong, scoring the first try from Maika Sivo.

However, Parramatta’s chances were spoiled by Sivo’s lapse in judgment in the 69th minute.

During the game, where he scored three tries, Sivo tarnished his performance by making a careless elbow move towards Manly’s Reuben Garrick after completing a tackle.

Referee Gerard Sutton deemed the action as “unnecessary” resulting in Sivo being sent to the sin bin and drawing criticism from sports analysts.

Warren Smith from Fox League remarked, “That was a mistake.

Considering how important it is to avoid head injuries and concussions in today’s game, what Maika Sivo did was just reckless.”

Sivo’s costly lack of discipline played a role, as Garrick took advantage of his absence by scoring two tries that sealed the outcome of the match.

The Parramatta Eels were already following Will Penisini’s sin bin for a professional foul, and they gave away eight penalties in the second half, making their situation worse.

Sivo’s mistake is worrying especially considering his troubles.

He was sidelined at the beginning of the season due to a three game suspension for a tackle during the pre-season.

Despite scoring two tries in a loss to the Raiders, Eels coach Brad Arthur decided to bench the 30-year-old Fijian winger.

His return to the first-grade team at Parramatta couldn’t have gone worse.

With Parramatta sitting in 14th place on the ladder, Sivos’ actions have added to the team’s problems.

His future with Parramatta is now uncertain as the Eels face tough decisions regarding the role of the squad and coach Brad Arthur’s future.

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