Parramatta's Maika Sivo has been cleared to line up in Thursday's season-opening blockbuster with the NRL electing not to stand the Fijian flyer down over an indecent assault charge in his home country.
An NRL spokesperson confirmed to NRL.com on Monday evening that Sivo will be free to play against Canterbury in front of what is tipped to be a sold-out Bankwest Stadium.
Sivo's immediate playing future had been clouded since he was charged over a Boxing Day incident in a Fijian resort near Nadi.
The powerhouse winger was allowed to play in the both the NRL Nines in Perth and Parramatta's recent trial against Penrith on the NSW South Coast, but has now been cleared to play in round one as well.
Sivo's case had been set to be heard on March 12, the same date as Parramatta's opening-round grudge match with the Bulldogs.
He is not required to appear in court for the matter's next mention, which may now be held over until later in the year.
The Eels will continue to monitor Sivo's mental state and ability to take the field on Thursday, with Brad Arthur to confirm his 21-man squad for the Canterbury clash on Tuesday afternoon.
Sivo shapes as a key figure to Parramatta's premiership hopes in 2020. Last year's breakout season saw him debut in round one on a bargain-basement deal and finish with 22 tries and an upgraded two-year deal.
Replies
Yes he was. I guess the only real news is that he doesn’t have to appear in court on game day.
This doesn’t come as any real surprise. If Curtis Scott is free to play, Sivo should be. How the fark is Scott free to play?
Because the video evidence apparently does not support police charges against Scott.
Uncanny.