Leeds Rhinos Injury: Sivo ‘Touch and Go’ for Super League Start

Key Points

• Leeds Rhinos winger Maika Sivo faces a ‘touch and go’ scenario for the start of the Super League season due to ongoing recovery from an ACL rupture suffered in a pre-season game against Wigan in 2025.
• Head coach Brad Arthur emphasised that every precaution will be taken with the Fijian star, who missed the entire 2025 season.
• Sivo, a major off-season signing from Parramatta Eels last year, is nearing the end of his rehabilitation journey and closing in on a highly anticipated return.
• The powerful winger has been reunited with his former NRL coach Brad Arthur and is eager to resume playing in the blue and amber colours.
• Sivo is understood to have dropped a few kilos during his recovery.
• He remains the primary injury concern for the Rhinos, alongside young player Alfie Edgell, who sustained a thigh injury in the club’s Boxing Day victory over Wakefield Trinity, ruling him out for approximately three to four months.
• Arthur confirmed at the Rhinos’ media day that “Alfie is out from the Boxing Day game, but Maika is the only one who is a bit touch and go.”
• The coach added: “Outside of that, everyone else is good to play.”
• Arthur noted Sivo’s size as a factor: “He’s a big man, Maika, and it’s taken a bit slower. We need to make sure that we get it right.”
• The Rhinos are prioritising a cautious approach given the 27-round Super League season, ensuring Sivo is “completely comfortable” and the team has “enough run into him and the timing of when he comes back in.”

Leeds (Leeds Times) January 15, 2026 – Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur has laid out a cautious pre-season challenge for new signing Maika Sivo, declaring the Fijian winger’s availability for the Super League opener as ‘touch and go’ following a serious ACL injury that sidelined him for all of 2025.

The 28-year-old powerhouse, acquired from NRL side Parramatta Eels in a high-profile off-season move, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a pre-season friendly against Wigan Warriors last year, cruelly derailing what promised to be a blockbuster debut campaign in English rugby league. Now reunited with Arthur, his former coach from their Parramatta days, Sivo has diligently progressed through rehabilitation and is on the cusp of a return that Rhinos fans have eagerly awaited. Arthur’s measured update, delivered at the club’s media day, underscores the meticulous management plan in place to safeguard the player’s long-term fitness.

Who is Maika Sivo and Why Does His Return Matter to Leeds Rhinos?

Maika Sivo emerged as one of the NRL’s most destructive wingers during his time at Parramatta Eels, where he amassed over 100 tries in 100 appearances, earning a reputation for his explosive pace, physicality, and finishing prowess. His transfer to Leeds Rhinos last year signalled the club’s ambition to bolster their attacking arsenal ahead of the 2025 Super League campaign, with Arthur handpicking his former charge to inject NRL flair into the Headingley outfit. As reported in initial coverage of the signing, Sivo’s arrival was hailed as a coup that could transform the Rhinos’ wide channels.

The injury blow came early, in a pre-season clash with Wigan, robbing supporters of witnessing Sivo’s integration into the blue and amber setup. Throughout 2025, updates on his rehab were sparse, but recent developments indicate substantial progress. Arthur’s comments highlight the player’s dedication, noting that Sivo has shed a few kilos to optimise his conditioning for the rigours of Super League. This weight loss, understood to be a deliberate adjustment during recovery, positions him better for the demands of a condensed pre-season schedule.

For a Rhinos side aiming to challenge for silverware in 2026, Sivo’s timely return carries immense weight. His absence exposed vulnerabilities on the wing, and with the season comprising 27 rounds plus playoffs, depth in the backline becomes paramount. Arthur’s strategy reflects a broader philosophy of player welfare, prioritising sustainability over haste in a sport notorious for its injury toll.

What Did Head Coach Brad Arthur Say About Sivo’s Recovery Timeline?

At the Rhinos’ media day, Brad Arthur provided the most detailed insight yet into Sivo’s status.

“Alfie is out from the Boxing Day game, but Maika is the only one who is a bit touch and go,”

Arthur stated directly, isolating the Fijian as the marquee concern amid an otherwise clean bill of health. He elaborated: “Outside of that, everyone else is good to play.”

Delving into the nuances of Sivo’s rehabilitation, Arthur attributed the deliberate pace to the player’s physique.

“He’s a big man, Maika, and it’s taken a bit slower. We need to make sure that we get it right,”

the coach explained. This approach, Arthur stressed, accounts for the marathon nature of the Super League calendar:

“There are 27 rounds and it’s a long season, so we’re making sure that he’s completely comfortable, we’re completely comfortable, and we’ve got enough run into him and the timing of when he comes back in.”

These remarks, captured live from the media session, reveal Arthur’s intimate involvement in the process, drawing on his NRL pedigree to navigate the complexities of ACL recovery. No firm return date was proffered, but the ‘touch and go’ prognosis for Round 1 signals optimism tempered by realism.

How Does Alfie Edgell’s Injury Impact the Rhinos Squad?

While Sivo garners headlines, young hooker Alfie Edgell represents the other casualty in the Rhinos’ injury ledger. Edgell sustained a thigh injury during the club’s Boxing Day triumph over Wakefield Trinity, a festive fixture that showcased the team’s mettle. Arthur confirmed the timeline: Edgell will be sidelined for around three to four months, potentially missing the early rounds of the 2026 campaign.

Edgell’s absence disrupts the Rhinos’ forward options, particularly in the dummy-half role where his energy and work rate have shone. The Boxing Day victory, a morale booster ahead of pre-season, came at this cost, highlighting the fine line between competitive edge and player preservation. With Sivo and Edgell as the sole concerns, Arthur affirmed the squad’s robustness: the rest of the roster stands ready, primed for the challenges ahead.

What Pre-Season Challenges Lie Ahead for Maika Sivo?

Sivo’s reintegration poses a multifaceted pre-season test. Physically, the ACL rupture demanded gruelling rehab, focusing on strength, mobility, and explosive power—hallmarks of his game. Arthur’s vow to take “every precaution” suggests a tailored programme, likely incorporating gradual load management, high-intensity intervals, and contact drills to rebuild match sharpness. The coach’s emphasis on “enough run into him” points to simulated game scenarios, ensuring Sivo acclimatises to Super League intensity.

Mentally, the Fijian faces the pressure of unmet expectations from his debut year. Eager to don the blue and amber, Sivo must navigate the scrutiny of Headingley faithful while syncing with new teammates. Arthur’s familiarity offers continuity, but the pre-season schedule—potentially featuring trials against NRL or Super League foes—will calibrate his readiness. The long season affords flexibility, yet a delayed start could see Sivo debut mid-campaign, mirroring recoveries of peers like NRL stars who thrive post-layoff.

Club insiders view this as an opportunity: Sivo’s pent-up energy could spark a mid-season surge, propelling Rhinos towards playoffs. The challenge, however, remains avoiding re-injury, a peril Arthur is determined to avert.

Why is Brad Arthur’s Coaching Philosophy Key Here?

Arthur’s tenure at Leeds has been defined by shrewd player management, honed across NRL stints with Parramatta and Brisbane. His reunion with Sivo exemplifies this, blending trust with prudence. By publicly framing the winger’s status as ‘touch and go’, Arthur sets realistic expectations, shielding Sivo from premature pressure while rallying the squad.

This philosophy extends to the collective: with minimal injuries beyond Sivo and Edgell, Arthur can rotate effectively through pre-season. His media day candour—”We need to make sure that we get it right”—reinforces a culture of accountability, vital in a high-stakes environment where one star’s fitness can sway fortunes.

Broader Context: Rhinos’ 2026 Ambitions

The Rhinos enter 2026 buoyed by a strong festive showing against Wakefield, yet mindful of Super League’s parity. Sivo’s acquisition underscored their intent to blend NRL talent with homegrown grit, positioning them as contenders. Edgell’s setback tests depth, but Arthur’s squad boasts versatility.

As pre-season intensifies, all eyes fix on Sivo’s milestones. A full recovery not only bolsters the attack but validates the Rhinos’ recruitment strategy, potentially igniting a title push. Fans, starved of his highlights reel, anticipate a debut that could redefine their wing play.

In rugby league’s unforgiving landscape, Arthur’s steady hand offers reassurance. The Rhinos, with Sivo nearing contention, stand poised for a compelling 2026 narrative.