LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a bold move reminiscent of a last-minute play in the dying moments of a close game, Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur has wielded the axe on try-scoring sensation Maika Sivo.
Following a lackluster performance in a brutal 41-8 thrashing by the Canberra Raiders, Sivo found himself relegated to the sidelines for the upcoming clash against the North Queensland Cowboys.
Sivo, who ignited the Eels with two tries in their recent defeat, failed to make a significant impact on the field with just 79 meters gained from 11 runs.
This decision comes after Sivo missed the beginning of the season due to a three-match suspension for a high tackle on Gold Coast's AJ Brimson during the pre-season.
Adding to the shake-up, young gun Blaize Talagi has also been relegated to the reserves in a strategic move by Arthur.
In a bid to reignite the team's spark, Daejarn Asi has been called up to the five-eighth position, while Bailey Simonsson shifts from centre to the wing and Morgan Harper makes a return to the centres.
With the pressure mounting on Arthur to reverse the Eels' fortunes, these changes are a calculated gamble that could either catapult the team to victory or leave them scrambling to recover.
Time will tell if these adjustments will be the game-changer the Eels need to sail through the rough waters ahead.