Parramatta sign Fijian flyer Maika Sivo on two-year deal from 2019

PARRAMATTA have been crying out for a replacement for Semi Radradra and in newly signed Fijian flyer Maika Sivo they may have found one.

COULD Parramatta have another Semi Radradra on their hands?

The blue and gold faithful have been crying out for a replacement for Radradra since his move to rugby and may have found it in Penrith’s Maika Sivo, who will join the Eels on a two-year deal from next year.

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Sivo, who hails from Momi on Fiji’s west coast, has been a standout in the lower grades for Penrith over the last few seasons and will join Parramatta with a first grade spot in his sights.

“I was just looking for an opportunity to play on the big stage. That’s why I’m moving to Parramatta, opportunity,” Sivo told The Daily Telegraph.

“It was hard telling my teammates that I’m going to another club but opportunities only come along once.”

Sivo has progressed through the grades since arriving in Sydney.

After playing local rugby union in Fiji and representing his country in Under 20s, just as Radradra did, Sivo first came to Australia with Group 9 club Gundagai Tigers in 2015.

After topping the tryscoring lists in his lone season in the bush, Sivo came to Sydney in 2016 before progressing through Sydney Shield and Ron Massey Cup.

He made his NSW Cup debut with Penrith last year and hasn’t looked back, scoring 18 tries in 23 games and playing in Penrith’s grand final and State Championship victories.

“Sometimes I sit back and I look back at where I started, it’s a crazy journey,” Sivo said.

“I leave home to play on the big stage. Here is the opportunity to show them, to play on the big stage, and it was always a goal for me.”

The big Fijian is a natural tryscorer.

It’s been a meteoric rise through the grades and when Sivo is confronted with the Radradra comparisons he still can’t quite believe them.

“I don’t know what to say. He’s a good player and he’s set a good path for us to follow,” Sivo told The Daily Telegraph.

“I feel inspired. He’s put a good standard for us. Hopefully I can do that too next year.”

Radradra became a star at Parramatta. AAP Image/Craig Golding.

Sivo had several offers from rival clubs, but Cameron Phelps of Seven Star Management said Parramatta’s history with Radradra was a big factor in the 24-year old choosing the Eels.

“Other clubs were interested, but Parramatta’s history with Semi was a big selling point,” Phelps told The Daily Telegraph.

“Maika has a big future in rugby league and Parramatta is a great fit for him moving forward.”