Fijian international Maika Sivo's first season in the UK has ended almost as soon as it started after the winger sustained a season-ending ACL injury in Leeds' first match of 2025, his new club confirmed on Tuesday.

Sivo, who joined the Rhinos on a three-year contract after being granted a release from Parramatta in October, went down late in the first half of a preseason testimonial match against two-time reigning Super League premiers Wigan at the weekend.

Leeds confirmed the 31-year-old has been ruled out for the season with his left knee injury requiring surgery.

Sivo went to ground after attempting to impede a kick from 2023 Man of Steel for Wigan and Indigenous All Stars Bevan French, which led to the Warriors' first try.

Leeds went on to win the match 22-4.

Sivo's former coach at the Eels - now leading the Rhinos, Brad Arthur said "I'm not a doctor, but he'll have scans tomorrow…you've got to hope for the best," speaking post match.

The club since confirmed their new signing will take no part in the 2025 Super League season, starting February 15.

"Our first thoughts are with Maika and we will all get round him and give him and his family our support," Arthur said.

"Our medical team will make sure he has the best possible treatment to come back from the injury as soon as possible. Maika is a strong character and I am sure he will throw himself into his recovery to get back to his best."

Leeds sporting director Ian Blease sit it's an "extremely tough blow for us as a club".

"We were all excited to see what he could do in Super League in 2025 but we will just have to wait for that now. In terms of our squad, we will need to review the full situation and look at all our options," he said.

"We have some outstanding young players who could well now get the opportunity to grab their chance, and I will be discussing all our options with the club, Brad and the coaching staff in the coming weeks ahead of the season kicking off."

Sivo scored close to a try a game across 115 appearances for Parramatta between his debut in 2019 and departing the club in October.

The Fijian-born speedster was a late debutant in the top grade after securing his opportunity after rising through the lower levels following junior football.