St George Illawarra Dragons seek loophole to sign David Klemmer amid Francis Molo standoff

St George Illawarra have approached the NRL over how they can sign former NSW prop David Klemmer despite not having a roster spot available as they try to resolve their standoff with disgruntled forward Francis Molo.

St George Illawarra have approached the NRL over how they can accommodate former NSW prop David Klemmer while Francis Molo remains on their books.

The Dragons have been in dispute with Molo for more than a month and he remains on their books. They recently granted the former Queensland forward permission to explore his options on the open market, albeit with a series of caveats.

In the interim, it is understood the Dragons have sought guidance from the NRL on whether they can sign Klemmer on a deal which would allow him to play for them while they sort out Molo’s departure.

It would effectively mean the Dragons start the season with a top 31, unless they can strike a deal to release Molo in the next week.

The NRL is understood to be empathetic to the Dragons’ position but are wary of creating a precedent that could come back to haunt them in the future.

The Dragons are trying to secure the services of David Klemmer.Picture: Richard Dobson

While Klemmer plays a waiting game, he remains on the books at the Wests Tigers, despite the club giving him permission to talk to the Dragons ahead of a formal move.

He has an option in his deal for next year at the Tigers — he needs to play at least 14 games to get a deal for 2026 — but they are well stocked for middle forwards and willing to let him depart.

The Dragons are open to giving him a 12-month deal for the 2025 season. The hitch is Molo’s future. The forward has been in dispute with the Dragons for weeks, having taken offence to a comment that was directed at him from a senior figure within the club,

He has almost certainly played his last game for the Dragons but his future threatens to overshadow the club’s opening round game against the Bulldogs.

The longer the situation drags on, the less likely it is that Klemmer lines up for the Dragons in round one.

Meanwhile, the Dragons and Bulldogs have held talks over sharing the gate from their respective games next season as they look to secure a spot in Las Vegas in 2026.

The Dragons and Bulldogs have already spoken to the NRL over a combined bid to kick off next season in America, which would mean one of the two clubs giving up a home game to be part of the Las Vegas extravaganza.

Francis Molo is locked in a battle over his Dragons contract. Picture: NRL Photos

Sacrificing a home game would come at a hefty price but it is understood key figures from the two clubs have discussed sharing the revenue when they play later in the season.

A host of clubs have put up their hand to play in Las Vegas next season given the success of the second edition of the Operation America.

Powerbrokers from Newcastle, Parramatta, the Gold Coast and Melbourne rubbed shoulders with NRL executives, ARL Commissioners and politicians in the chairman’s lounge at Allegiant Stadium.

The NRL is expected to make a call over next year’s participants in coming weeks but a combined bid by the Dragons and Bulldogs would be hard to resist for the NRL given the pulling power of the respective clubs.

Originally published as St George Illawarra Dragons seek loophole to sign David Klemmer amid Francis Molo standoff