LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
'I'm keen as mustard': Maika Sivo vows to fine-tune tackle technique after latest ban
After racking up too many weeks on the sideline due to suspension, Parramatta's star winger Maika Sivo is determined to step up his game and avoid another costly ban.
The Fijian powerhouse found himself in hot water after a grade two careless high tackle on Gold Coast's AJ Brimson during the trials, landing him a suspension for the first three rounds of the season.
This wasn't his first run-in with the NRL judiciary, as he was also banned for four matches last year for a similar tackle against the Titans.
Both incidents involved Sivo charging in from his wing to make a big hit, but unfortunately, his technique was off, resulting in head-high contact with the ball-carrier.
The NRL has been cracking down on these types of tackles in recent times, and Sivo knows he needs to iron out these issues to stay on the field and continue making a big impact for the Eels.
"It is what it is.
I just have to tweak my tackling technique and bounce back," said Sivo, aiming to build on the impressive 20 tries he scored in just 20 games last season.
"I've been putting in the hard yards after every training session with the defence coach.
I'm making progress and itching to get back out there."