Dragons forward Francis Molo is reportedly seeking a release from his contract, which could escalate the St. George Illawarra Dragons’ search for reinforcements in their forward pack. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Molo has been on mental health leave, absent from the club for the past two weeks. However, News Corp suggests the situation is more complex, with claims that Molo has privately expressed his intention not to play for the Dragons again.
Negotiations between Molo’s representatives and the Dragons’ management are expected next week. Reports indicate that the Dragons are reluctant to grant an immediate release, which aligns with head coach Shane Flanagan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the team’s front-row depth rather than diminish it. Flanagan has been vocal about the need for additional props, making Molo’s potential departure a significant setback.
While the Dragons have other players capable of stepping into the middle of the pack, many are rookies who may not yet be ready for first-grade responsibilities. Molo has been a crucial figure in the team’s forward pack, especially during the 2024 season when the Dragons made an unexpected but unsuccessful attempt to break a six-year finals drought.
Molo’s current contract, extended in 2024, ties him to the Dragons until the end of 2026. The seasoned forward has played 138 NRL games, represented Queensland in State of Origin, and also appeared for the Cook Islands and Samoa. His career began with the Brisbane Broncos in 2014, followed by a move to the North Queensland Cowboys in 2018 before joining the Dragons in 2022, where he has since played 62 games.
Set to play a central role under Flanagan in the 2025 season, Molo would have been a likely starter in the Dragons’ season opener against the Canterbury Bulldogs at Kogarah. His potential departure would create an urgent need for the Dragons to find an experienced replacement, a challenge given the limited availability of top-tier players.
Fans and analysts are speculating about Molo’s intentions—whether he plans to step away from rugby league entirely or seek opportunities with another club. Some have suggested the Dragons explore temporary loan options to address their immediate need for experienced forwards, citing players like Braden Hamlyn-Uele or Tuku Hau Tapua as potential candidates.
The situation underscores the Dragons’ precarious position as they aim to rebuild their squad while addressing the uncertainties surrounding one of their key players. With discussions set for the coming week, Molo’s future—and the Dragons’ forward pack—hang in the balance.