Maika Sivo is cleared to join his Parramatta Eels club for pre-season train­ing in Sydney.

This was after the 2019 NRL top try-scorer’s travel ban was lifted by the Nadi Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

The Fiji Bati rep was alleged to have indecently assaulted a wom­an at a resort in Denarau, Nadi, on December 26 last year.

The 26-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared be­fore Magistrate Peni Dalituicama.

Sivo was represented by lawyer Mosese Naivalu while the State was represented by Police pros­ecutor, Sergeant Ana Matanawai.

Magistrate Dalituicama said the accused, who was a first time of­fender, was a superstar and a high achiever in rugby league.

He was alleged to have broken the law where the maximum penalty for the offense was five years.

He said Sivo, who was formally employed by the Sydney club, needed to resume work as failure to do so would affect his livelihood and the circumstance would seem unjust and unfair.

He further mentioned that Sivo was not running away from the case but rather had to resume work as he is currently contracted with the Parramatta Eels.

However, Sivo has to surrender his passport the following day once he arrives in Sydney.

Magistrate Dalituicama also highlighted that he was satisfied with the assurance from the Par­ramatta Eels General Manager, Mark O’Neill, that he would be available to attend to Sivo’s cases should the need arises.

Two sureties were provided by the accused and a cash bond of $2,500 was paid.

His date for mention is February 17.

HEADING FOR SYDNEY: Fijian Bati and Parramatta Eels winger Maika Sivo at the Nadi International Airport on January 3, 2020. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Eels statement on Sivo:

• Maika Sivo was successful in having his bail conditions amend­ed and will be able to return to Australia for the start of presea­son training.
• Following a number of com­mitments made by Maika and the Parramatta Eels Club to the Fijian court, Maika has been given per­mission to travel back to Australia while his case progresses through the legal system.
• Parramatta Eels General Man­ager of Football Mark O’Neill, and a member of our Eels welfare team, have travelled to Fiji to meet with the local legal team and pro­vide support to Maika and his fam­ily.
• Maika and the Club are pleased with the outcome of proceedings and reiterate our respect for the Fijian legal system and its pro­cesses.
• Maika will return to Australia with our Eels staff and be ready for the commencement of Eels training next week.

Edited by Osea Bola

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