NRL 2021: Parramatta re-signs Maika Sivo and set sights on securing lock Nathan Brown

They may not have won a premiership since 1986 but Parramatta are doing everything in their power to return to the top as another big gun re-signs with the club.

Parramatta has fended off rugby union to re-sign star winger Maika Sivo on a two-year deal and will now focus on retaining consistent forward Nathan Brown. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.

Parramatta has fended off rugby union to re-sign star winger Maika Sivo on a two-year deal and will now focus on retaining consistent lock Nathan Brown.

There were concerns that Sivo could be temped to join union, but the Eels have locked in the Fijian flyer until the end of the 2023 season.

His signature is a major coup for Parramatta given his surge to prominence as one of the NRL’s premier wingers, as seen with his remarkable match-winning try against Melbourne last weekend.

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Sivo! Sivo! Sivo! 🚨 Maika has re-signed with the Eels.

➡️ https://t.co/YzuUNoCxxw#PARRAdisepic.twitter.com/LFXpRKOhL0

— Parramatta Eels (@TheParraEels) March 23, 2021

Sivo made his NRL debut with the Eels in 2019 and has quickly become a fan favourite, scoring an incredible 39 tries with the club to date.

He will play his 50th NRL game in Round 4 against Wests Tigers.

Parramatta CEO Jim Sarantinos praised Sivo’s retention.

“Maika has played an important role in our team over the last two seasons,” Sarantinos said.

“We are delighted that he will continue to bring excitement to our members and fans, especially at Bankwest Stadium.”

Sivo was a finalist for the Dally M Rookie of the Year Award in his debut season and claimed the 2019 Ken Irvine Medal for leading try scorer.

He represented Fiji in the inaugural World Cup Nines tournament in 2020.

With Sivo’s signature in the bag, the Eels will look to re-sign Brown.

Parramatta will look to re-sign lock Nathan Brown..

The gun lock had received interest from Manly, however it’s understood the Sea Eagles are no longer interested as they want to pursure middle forwards following Addin Fonua-Blake’s departure to the Warriors.

Brown’s future has created heated debate among clubs, with suggestions his agent is using him as “contract bait” to rival teams.

News Corp reported the lock forward is the latest player to be falsely linked to St George Illawarra, with the club taking the unusual step of calling the Eels directly to confirm they have no interest in the Origin star.

The 27-year-old, who is a favourite if coach Brad Arthur, comes off-contract at the end of the 2021 season and hopes to remain at Parramatta long-term.

Brown is currently on a deal worth approximately $620,000 per season, while his management are looking to secure a new deal north of $700,000-a-year.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Parramatta re-signs Maika Sivo and set sights on securing lock Nathan Brown