Parramatta winger Maika Sivo has faced court in Fiji on Monday after he was charged with indecent assault following an incident at a Nadi hotel.
Sivo, who had returned to his homeland to visit family during the Eels’ off-season training break over the Christmas-New Year period, was granted bail but will not be allowed to return to Australia until his next court appearance.
The 26-year-old Fijian international will appear in court in Nadi again on January 7 following claims he harassed a female staff member at a resort near Nadi.
The Eels released a statement on Monday night to say they had been in discussions with Sivo and his family since his arrest.
"Maika has been released from custody on bail but is unable to return to Australia prior to his next hearing in court. While it is understood that the statement of facts regarding the incident remains the same, Maika’s charge has been amended to indecent assault," said the club in its statement.
"Maika and the club are respectful of Fijian law and we continue to offer our full cooperation with local law enforcement authorities.
"The Eels will continue to liaise with the NRL Integrity Unit and will provide a further update to stakeholders as the situation progresses."
Sivo starred for Parramatta in his rookie season in the NRL in 2019, leading the competition for tries scores to win the Ken Irvine Medal.
