Origin 2021: Maroons call-up Frank Molo almost quit after player death but grit is rewarded

He faced the stress of a coronial inquest after one of the game’s most distressing incidents and didn’t play NRL for three years. Now ‘hardworking, humble’ Frank Molo has an Origin jumper.

21-06-2021 Queensland State of Origin players arrive at Brisbane Airport ahead of game 2 this weekend. Francis Molo PICTURE: Brad Fleet

A distraught Frank Molo almost gave rugby league away after one of the game’s most distressing incidents, but has risen to snare a surprise State of Origin berth.

Molo, 26, made the tackle which resulted in the death of Sunshine Coast player James Ackerman in an Intrust Cup game in June 2015.

Molo was suspended for nine matches with a coroner finding he failed to attempt to apply a legitimate tackle on 25-year-old prop Ackerman and that the force of his shoulder charge was such that it caused death.

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Frank Moilo is the centre of attention after his shock Queensland call-up.

Molo fought back tears when he gave evidence at the coroner’s hearing in 2017. He later received trauma counselling.

Queensland coach Paul Green signed Molo for his Cowboys side in 2018 three years after the Ackerman incident and has noted his commitment and improvement.

Molo made his debut for the Broncos in 2015 but it was a three-year gap between NRL games between his last appearance for Brisbane and his first appearance for the Cowboys.

Molo said he was putting his two children to bed and missed the call from Green.

“I got a missed call and I didn’t think I was playing, then (Paul Green) told me I was playing, I’m stoked and I can’t wait,” Molo said.

“It’s all sinking in still, I’m just taking it minute by minute.”

Frank Molo has been in good form for the Cowboys.

The North Queensland Cowboys enforcer has been strong off the bench in club land and will likely do the same on Sunday.

“I didn’t think the day would come this early, I’ve always wanted to play for Queensland,” the 26-year-old said.

Green lauded Molo’s dedication to improving himself.

“He’s had his challenges Frank, a lot’s been said about that,” Green said.

“He’s had different areas of his game to improve and has worked hard.

“Having known and coached Frank for a while, I know his strengths and weaknesses and have seen first hand how much he’s applied himself to get better.

“I’m really pleased to give Frank an opportunity, now it’s up to Frank to take it and give it his best.”

Paul Greenj knows new Maroon Frank Molo very well.

Molo’s manager Simon Mamimo has been helping Molo since he was 14 and said he has grown immeasurably since the Ackerman tragedy.

“He went through a lot of hard times and challenging times with himself and his football,’’ Mamino said.

“Francis could have gone the other way but he has turned into a wonderful person, a hardworking humble young man. Playing football gave him the realise of the stress he went through.

“Wayne Bennett gave him one year with a player option for a second that allowed him to come back. He had good support put around him by the Broncos to their credit.

“Then he went to the Cowboys to find his mojo. I have never seen a player being so emotional over a selection. It was a childhood. This was his dream since he was. It gives me goosebumps just talking about it.’’

Originally published as Origin 2021: Maroons call-up Frank Molo almost quit after player death but grit is rewarded