Brad Arthur Reveals Maika Sivo’s Role in His Move to Leeds Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos’ star signing Maika Sivo has opened up about the pivotal role Brad Arthur played in his decision to join the Headingley club. Sivo, who had an impressive NRL career with the Parramatta Eels, scoring 104 tries in just 115 games, cited his former coach’s influence as a major factor in his move to Super League. The Fijian winger, known for his lethal finishing, follows Arthur to Leeds after the coach’s mid-season departure from the Eels in 2024.

Speaking about the transition, Sivo acknowledged that Arthur’s mentorship was instrumental throughout his NRL journey. “Brad Arthur gave me my first chance in the NRL and has been a big part of my career. When the opportunity came to join him at Leeds, the decision was easy,” Sivo shared.

Building Trust Over the Years

Arthur’s no-nonsense coaching style and straightforward communication have been a hallmark of his approach, traits that resonated deeply with Sivo. The winger explained, “He’s always been upfront about what I need to do. Having him here at Leeds made the move much simpler because I trust him, and he knows how to get the best out of me.”

It took only a single phone call for Sivo to commit to Leeds Rhinos. “My manager reached out a week before, but once Brad called me, we had a short conversation, and by the end of it, I knew I wanted to come. That call sealed the deal,” Sivo revealed.

Ready for a New Challenge

With the 2025 Super League season approaching, Sivo is keen to focus on consistent performances. He downplayed predictions of a 50-try season or earning the Man of Steel award, emphasizing that his goal is to adapt and contribute week by week. “This is a different competition, and I’m looking forward to the new challenges it brings. Scoring tries is my job, but my priority is to perform steadily and support the team,” he stated.

Arthur’s Impact on Leeds

Brad Arthur’s influence has already been felt at Leeds Rhinos, evident in their strengthened performances during his brief 2024 tenure. Known for his decisive approach, Arthur wasted no time in shaping his squad, with Sivo being one of his marquee additions. This dynamic pairing from their NRL days has set high expectations among fans eager to see how their partnership will flourish in Super League.

Leeds Rhinos’ acquisition of Maika Sivo signals not just a recruitment win but also the enduring impact of a coach who knows how to inspire loyalty and deliver results. Fans now await the winger’s debut as he takes on a new chapter in his career under a coach who’s been with him every step of the way.