NRL 2025: David Klemmer’s move to St George Illawarra on hold while Dragons resolve Francis Molo dispute

David Klemmer’s anticipated move to join his fourth NRL club is on hold while the Dragons attempt to resolve their ongoing dispute with disgruntled forward Francis Molo.

David Klemmer’s anticipated move from the Wests Tigers to St George Illawarra is set to remain on hold while the Dragons resolve their ongoing dispute with prop Francis Molo.

Klemmer was pulled from the Tigers’ opening pre-season trial and then left out of the side altogether for their second trial last weekend, heightening speculation he may have played his last game for the Tigers.

This masthead revealed on Tuesday that Klemmer had been given time to explore his options across the NRL and the Dragons have emerged as his most likely destination, albeit on the condition that St George Illawarra can reach an agreement for the departure of Molo.

Molo has been in dispute with the Dragons for a number of weeks over claims he took exception to a comment made by a staff member. It is understood he is currently on sick leave but the Dragons have granted him permission to explore the open market in a sign that they ready for life without him.

The Dragons are likely to demand something in return for allowing Molo to depart, although their landing is likely to be softened by the arrival of Klemmer.

David Klemmer’s move to the Dragons waits on a decision surrounding Francis Molo. Picture: Getty Images

The former NSW State of Origin forward has been a mainstay in the Tigers side over the past two seasons but the club has plenty of depth in the front row and, as a result, Klemmer has been given the green light to depart.

His expected exit is likely to free up significant cash for the Tigers and provide them with greater certainty heading into 2026 – Klemmer had a clause in his contract that automatically extended his deal by another year once he played 14 games this season.

The Tigers attempted to rework his contract in the off-season to remove the option clause but were unable to strike a deal. Instead, they have now given Klemmer the opportunity to move on as they back their current forward rotation, most notably Terrell May, Royce Hunt and Fonua Pole.

Francis Molo’s relationship with the Dragons has soured recently. Picture: NRL Photos

Molo played two games for Queensland in 2021 and 23 games for the Dragons last season but his relationship with the club has soured dramatically in the off-season.

He hasn't been sighted at the club in recent weeks amid a stalemate over his future. However, he is expected to demand plenty of attention on the open market and the Dragons would no doubt like to have his future settled before the season begins.

The decision by the Dragons on Wednesday to grant Molo the chance to speak to rival clubs is the clearest sign yet that his time at the club is coming to an end.

St George Illawarra have been busy in the transfer market, recently securing Canberra prop Emre Guler after a recruitment spree that landed them Parramatta’s Clint Gutherson, North Queensland representative centre Valentine Holmes and South Sydney pair Damien Cook and Lachlan Ilias.

Originally published as NRL 2025: David Klemmer’s move to St George Illawarra on hold while Dragons resolve Francis Molo dispute