Parramatta winger Maika Sivo has returned to NRL pre-season training in Sydney as his court case awaits its next hearing in Fiji.
The NRL’s most prolific try-scorer as rookie last season, Sivo was a welcome inclusion for coach Brad Arthur as the Eels resumed training at their new facilities at Kellyville Park on Monday.
Last week the 26-year-old had bail conditions changed to allow his return to Australia from Fiji, where he is facing a charge of indecent assault following an alleged incident at a resort on Boxing Day.
Previously detained in his home country on a travel ban, he arrived back in Australia at the weekend.
Sivo has pleaded not guilty to the charge and will not be required to attend Nadi Magistrates Court for the next hearing on February 17.
On Friday the Eels confirmed they had made “a number of commitments” to the court to ensure Sivo’s travel ban was lifted as the case progresses through the legal system.
Sivo was spending Boxing Day with family at Wyndham Resort, on Denarau Island, when he is alleged to have tugged a waitress’ dress.
The Ken Irvine Medalist told the club he was attempting to get her attention and she misinterpreted it as a sexual advance.