Maika Sivo has narrowly avoided horrible consequences for not seeking treatment earlier on a freak hand infection while traveling in Fiji.
Reports emerged on Wednesday revealing Sivo was rushed home from a trip visiting his homeland of Fiji, after his hand became severely swollen.
The 26-year-old try-scoring flyer underwent immediate surgery, after it was discovered he had a mysterious hand infection.
Now, The Daily Telegraph reports, Sivo was just days away from losing the middle finger on his right hand after the infection threatened to spread.
Surgeons were reportedly forced to cut into Sivo's hand to remove what has now been deemed as an infection caused by cellulitis.
Eels officials became concerned when their emerging star winger failed to seek immediate treatment, after sensing symptoms days before he was rushed home.
Sivo is now believed to be undergoing a second bout of surgery on the bizarre injury, and is expected to be kept in hospital over the weekend.
After arriving at the Eels on a minimum wage contract from the Panthers, Sivo became a cult hero in the blue and gold, scoring 22 tries from his 25 games in his debut year.
Bigger things are expected of the powerful Sivo, after he inked a new two-year contract extension recently, keeping him at Bankwest Stadium until at least the end of 2022.
More to come...
