The future of Dragons prop Francis Molo is in doubt after the ex-Queensland Origin forward was granted an extended absence from training on mental health grounds.
Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity, due to the sensitive nature of the issue, have told this masthead that Molo has not attended Dragons training for more than a week and is now taking a mental health leave of absence from club duties.
Molo is due to front St George Illawarra next week to discuss his future at the club.
Molo’s management has discussed the prospect of an early release from the final two years of his contract with St George Illawarra officials, though no formal release has been requested.
Molo’s management and the Dragons declined to comment when contacted. The Rugby League Players Association has been briefed on the matter and is monitoring the situation.
Molo,30, was signed by ex-Dragons coach Anthony Griffin and joined the club after playing two Origin matches for Queensland in 2021.
Dragons prop Francis Molo.Credit: Getty Images
He has since re-signed on a new two-year deal under current coach Shane Flanagan that began this season, and most recently played for Samoa against England in November.
Molo played all but one of the Dragons games last season and is a key pillar of Flanagan’s forward pack.
St George Illawarra’s bid to sign veteran prop Matt Lodge fell over late last week after months of negotiations with the ex-Manly forward. Lodge completed a medical with the Dragons, who were willing to offer him a near minimum-wage, one-year deal.
However, the parties failed to come to terms and Lodge, 29, remains without a contract for 2025.
Flanagan has openly conceded he is light on for experienced middle forwards with few options on the player market.
The Dragons have one roster spot remaining in their top-30 squad, which includes several promising uncapped forwards, led by Loko Pasifiki Tonga, Hamish Stewart and Finau Latu.
