With the NRL heading into the final six rounds of the regular season and the top eight battle heating up, we thought we would take a look at the top five players who have surprised us this reason.
The players have been listed in accordance with their reputation, or lack thereof, coming into this season as well as the impact they have had on their team's fortunes in the 2019 season.
1. Maika Sivo
One of the real feel-good stories of the 2019 season, Maika Sivo is the latest in a long line of flying Fijian wingers to take the NRL by storm.
Having initially been scouted playing rugby union in his native Fiji before moving to Australia to ply his trade with the Gundagai Tigers, Sivo caught the eye of the Eels recruitment team after impressive stints in the Mounties and Panthers lower grade sides.
Currently, on the NRL's minimum wage contract of $72,500, Sivo is the definition of bang for your buck, topping the NRL for tries scored as well as coming second only to James Tedesco for line breaks in the 2019 season.
Possessing a hulking frame yet still having top-line speed, Sivo is the prototype modern-day winger. With the Fiji Bati representative still on contract for the 2020 season on minimum wage, the Eels are looking to ward off potential suitors in the form of a new three-year $1 million deal.
It's hard to believe that only four years ago Sivo was playing rugby union in his hometown of Nadi, Fiji.
