By Adrian Proszenko
David Klemmer’s likely move to St George Illawarra will give Wests Tigers a war chest of up to $1 million to further add to one of the NRL’s most extensive roster overhauls.
After initially denying his request, the Dragons have granted Francis Molo permission to negotiate with other clubs. That move will cause a domino effect that is expected to result in Molo moving on and Klemmer coming in to replace him. It is a significant development for the Red V, who will be able to replace one former State of Origin prop with another.
Molo’s destination remains unclear, but there is no thought of a straight swap. Tigers coach Benji Marshall is happy with his front-row rotation, which includes Terrell May, Royce Hunt, Fonua Pole, Alex Twal, Alex Seyfarth and Samuela Fainu.
Klemmer hasn’t officially asked for a release but, given he hasn’t been selected in the Tigers’ two trial matches to date, has almost certainly played his last game for the club. The Tigers already have room in their salary cap and, pending the payout figure for Klemmer, could have up to seven figures to splurge on more signings.
Instead of spending their money on a prop, the Tigers can look at other positions after an aggressive recruitment drive already netted Jarome Luai, Sunia Turuva, May, Hunt, Jack Bird and Jeral Skelton.
Klemmer is on a deal worth about $675,000 a season, about $100,000 more than Molo’s annual salary at the Red V. The former Knights and Bulldogs forward would automatically trigger a contract extension if he played a reported 14 games this year for the Tigers, but that contractual clause is expected to soon become a moot point.
Dragons prop Francis Molo.Credit: Getty Images
The Dragons initially had no appetite to release Molo, who claimed to take exception to a comment made by a staffer. The Maroons front-rower has been on leave for several weeks and has now almost certainly played his last game for the club.
The Red V are seeking compensation, the final sticking point before a release is agreed.
“The club’s concern has been Frank’s welfare,” said Dragons chairman Andrew Lancaster.
“Frank and his manager have been told they can officially talk to other clubs, but if they want a release from the contract Frank entered into, then the Dragons will require adequate compensation.”
Klemmer’s likely arrival will be a boost for the Dragons, who pulled out of negotiations with Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Daniel Saifiti, Stefano Utoikamanu and Terrell May.
Molo, meanwhile, could potentially earn more money elsewhere given the dearth of quality props on the market.
However, it could mark the last time a player who breaks their contract can agree to a pay rise elsewhere.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys has flagged the prospect of head office stopping the practice of players agitating for a release and then immediately walking into a more lucrative job.
“I’m an old-fashioned person and if you do a contract, you honour it,” V’landys told this masthead last week.
“A contract is a contract, unless there are circumstances well beyond your control – if it’s unforeseen, then fair enough. You get the benefits of the contract, so you should honour the contract, that’s my view.”
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