Francis Molo camp call on Dragons to end contractual stand-off

The contractual stand-off between Francis Molo and the Dragons is no closer to being resolved and now the former State of Origin prop’s manager has lifted the lid on the major issues between the two parties.

The ongoing stand-off between Francis Molo and St George Illawarra is showing no signs of being resolved with the Dragons now refusing to pay the former State of Origin prop.

It comes as his agent, Wayde Rushton, has spoken out for the first time about his frustrations with the club after the parties have been unable to come to a deal.

Molo had been on sick leave since deciding he wanted to move on from the Dragons, with the club giving him time away since February.

The 30-year-old had been paid during his time away but is now considered to be on leave without pay.

It had been hoped that, by now, the parties would have come to an agreement to part ways, but ongoing talks have so far amounted to nothing.

Francis Molo wants out of the Dragons. Picture: Getty Images

“We’ve been ready to move on for weeks now,” Rushton said. “The club seem to want to hold onto him or let this drag out for whatever reason. We’ve tried to find a resolution but there has been no change. We haven’t asked for a cent. We aren’t asking for a payout. This isn’t about money. This is about Frank’s happiness. He just wants to get on with his life.

“The Dragons have said previously that if a player does not want to there they’d let him go.

“Last year they were happy to move on Ben Hunt, Zac Lomax and have told other players they are free to leave. Why is Frank any different?

“The club initially said they cared about Frank’s welfare when this news first came out. I can’t see how this is true. I am not sure how dragging this on is in Frank’s best interests and there seems to be no urgency from their end to get this resolved. It’s been dragging on for eight weeks.

“Some of the things they have been asking for is unrealistic.”

The Dragons want to make space to bring David Klemmer over from the Tigers. Picture: Getty Images

The Dragons have told Molo they want a transfer fee or a player in exchange for releasing him, as well as money paid back that they gave to him in advance and all money he has received since November 1.

Molo has indicated he would be willing to pay back the money the club had given him in advance.

The Dragons feel like they need to stand their ground and receive some compensation given their best prop just wants to walk away.

The Dragons have David Klemmer waiting in the wings but have been unable to sign the former NSW and Australian prop, given their 30 roster spots are full. They have had talks with the NRL about the prospect of bringing Klemmer in while the Molo situation gets resolved, but that has yet to eventuate.

Klemmer had been due to play NSW Cup on Saturday but was a late withdrawal.

Molo has engaged Ramy Qutami — the same lawyer who headed up Israel Folau’s fight with Rugby Australia.

“If the reports are correct they have a player waiting in the wings,” Rushton said. “They can make that move if they just let Frank go.”

Originally published as Francis Molo camp call on Dragons to end contractual stand-off