Eels star Maika Sivo rushed home for emergency surgery on infected hand
Parramatta Eels sensation Maika Sivo has had his Fijian vacation cut short after obtaining a mysterious infection, forcing the club to end his stay to return for emergency surgery.
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Parramatta star Maika Sivo has been rushed back to Australia for emergency surgery after suffering a mysterious skin infection while holidaying in Fiji.
As first revealed by The Daily Telegraph, Sivo was admitted to Norwest Private Hospital early on Tuesday morning, only hours after being ordered home by concerned Eels officials.
Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, a club spokesperson confirmed the Fijian international was recovering in hospital after undergoing surgery to eradicate a skin infection, or cellulitis, in his hand.
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The official added that while the cause of said infection remained unknown, Sivo was expected to not only make a quick recovery from the operation, but would return to training with the Eels NRL squad within weeks.
Over the weekend, rugby league’s newest cult figure had made an emotional return to his small Fijian village of Momi – population 370 – to visit with family and friends on what was supposed to be a relaxing break.
Instead, the Eels favourite was forced to make a rushed flight back to Sydney rather than undergo surgery in Fiji.
Quizzed about the bizarre situation, his manager Cameron Phelps revealed the 26-year-old had initially complained of discomfort prior to departing for Fiji - however a series of X-rays and medical checks could find nothing wrong.
Yet after arriving back in his village, Sivo’s hand is said to have “blown up” to such a worrying size, the winger admitted himself to hospital where doctors suggested he undergo immediate surgery.
Instead, and under the advice of Eels officials, the international was ordered onto a flight late Monday evening and then admitted to hospital immediately after touching down in Sydney.
Phelps said that while his client underwent surgery on Tuesday, “we’re still not exactly sure what is wrong”.
“We’re not sure what caused the infection,” he said. “It could be a bite, who knows?
“Maika had hurt the hand before heading over to Fiji but, after undergoing some X-rays and stuff, there didn’t seem to be anything really wrong with it.
“But then when he was over there, it really blew up. I know they wanted to operate on him in Fiji but Parramatta have flown him home.”
Among the most inspiring stories of the 2019 season, Sivo only returned home to Momi - situated on the Queens Highway, just south of Nadi - a couple of days ago, having represented Fiji at the 2019 Oceania Cup tournament.
While most contracted Eels players are already back in pre-season training for 2020, the new NRL favourite had been granted additional time off to recover from his Test commitments.
Outstanding in his first year with the blue and golds, the former Fijian kava farmer not only earned the NRL top tryscorer gong, but also an upgraded contract that keeps him with the club until the end of 2021.
Elsewhere, Sivo also represented Fiji at both the World Nines and Oceania Cup tournament.
A virtual unknown back in March, Sivo was on a meagre playing deal worth $72,500 per season - with an additional $3000 for every match he played.