NRL try-scorers 2019: Maika Sivo seals Ken Irvine Medal with freakish hat-trick against Manly

Parramatta flyer Maika Sivo has officially sealed the Ken Irvine Medal in his rookie season with a freakish hat-trick effort against the Sea Eagles on Friday night.

Starting the weekend one try adrift of Roosters centre Latrell Mitchell, Sivo three-try night out capped off a remarkable season for the Fijian winger, who has now topped the NRL's try-scorers list.

MORE: NRL Leaks: Simmering tensions at Wests Tigers as Michael Maguire makes backroom moves

Sivo will now become just the fourth rookie in the last 30 years to claim the top try-scorers mark, joining fellow Fijians Noa Nandruku and Suliasi Vunivalu in achieving the honour.

Alex Johnston is the only other rookie to have claimed the gong in his rookie year, having scored 21 in just 18 games for Souths during their premiership-winning season in 2014.

Mitchell looked favourite to secure the Ken Irvine Medal heading into the round, looking to become the first player since Mal Meninga in 1990 to top both the points and try-scoring tally.

However, South Sydney would hold him try-less, along with team-mates Daniel Tupou and James Tedesco.

This provided five-eighth Cody Walker with the perfect opportunity to burst into the top five, crossing during their 16-10 win to join the pair on 15 tries.