“Fiji Star Maika Sivo Eyes British Rugby League Move as Eels Winger Nears Leeds Deal”
The 2024 Pacific Championships have kicked off, with four matches providing plenty of excitement over the weekend.
On Saturday morning, Leeds announced the signing of Maika Sivo, confirming one of rugby league’s most widely known moves. Just hours later, Sivo starred for Fiji in their 56-6 victory over the Cook Islands in Suva, scoring two tries and covering over 200 meters.
Ben Nakubuwai, whose future with the Leigh Leopards remains uncertain, also scored in this win, placing Fiji at the top of the Pacific Bowl group, at least temporarily. If Papua New Guinea defeats the Cook Islands next weekend in Port Moresby, they’ll claim the top spot again and enter the promotion/relegation playoff against the last-place team in the Pacific Cup group. For the Cook Islands to finish first, they’d need to beat PNG by 89 points.
The Kangaroos secured the top position in the Pacific Cup with a 22-10 win over New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday. Zac Lomax, set to join the Parramatta Eels in 2025, scored twice, with Mitchell Moses also contributing to the scoreboard. Regardless of next week’s outcome between New Zealand and Tonga, the Kangaroos are locked into the final on November 10 in Sydney. The winner between New Zealand and Tonga will join Australia in that final, while the loser will compete in the promotion/relegation playoff against the Pacific Bowl winner.