Dragons grant Francis Molo immediate release on condition of six-figure compensation
The Dragons have agreed to release a disgruntled player immediately following a club dispute with a staff member, but there’s a catch.
NRL
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The Dragons have agreed to release disgruntled prop Francis Molo from his contract effective immediately, following his dispute with a staff member provided he pays a six-figure sum.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported Dragons directors discussed Molo’s situation at the club’s monthly board meeting on Tuesday morning and ultimately deciding to grant his release request with a series of conditions.
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Sources close to the negotiations who spoke on the condition of anonymity told The Herald that Molo will be required to repay a six-figure sum.
The Dragons are trying to set a precedent that players will not be able to walk out on their contracts without consequences.
Molo’s rift with the Dragons was over an incident involving a member of the coaching staff in in which the former Origin prop took offence over comments of his decision to abstain from alcohol.
The 30-year-old was contracted to the end of the 2025 season, but the Dragons want compensation for the money he was advanced late last year, given he hasn’t trained or played in months.
The Dragons can now use Molo’s roster spot to strengthen their roster after David Klemmer took Souths’ bound winger Mikaele Ravalawa’s spot. Ravalawa will return to the Dragons in 2026 after helping Souths through an injury crisis.
Klemmer is expected to play against Melbourne in round four after the bye this weekend.
Dragons officials declined to comment, but an official announcement regarding Molo’s release is expected in the coming days.
Molo only signed a contract extension with the Dragons last April, but he has not trained with the club since early February, when the club granted him leave.
The situation escalated recently when the Dragons decided to stop paying Molo’s wages.
Molo’s brother Michael remains contracted to the club, and has played at prop in reserve grade for the Dragons’ opening two NSW Cup victories.
The Dragons have a number of promising young middle forwards coming through, including Loko Junior Pasifika Tonga.
Originally published as Dragons grant Francis Molo immediate release on condition of six-figure compensation
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