Front-rower Francis Molo stops training with Dragons, opens discussion to exit club
Francis Molo's future at the Dragons is in doubt, with the front-rower absent from pre-season training in recent weeks.
According to 9News and The Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas, the 30-year-old Samoan international is on mental health leave from official club duties.
Molo has been with St George Illawarra since 2022 and has been the club's first-choice prop through the majority of his tenure.
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"He hasn't been seen at training for the past 10 days or so," Chammas said.
"The club has since granted him a leave of absence on mental health grounds, and he will be away from training for some time to come.
Francis Molo during the 2024 season. Getty
"It's my understanding that Molo and his management have asked the Dragons about the prospect of being granted a release from the club.
"It isn't formal requests, but the conversations have been had. Molo will front the Dragons board over the next week or so to discuss his future at the club."
Molo's contract runs until the end of 2026, while younger brother Michael remains signed with the joint venture until the end of this year.
The news comes just days after head coach Shane Flanagan shut down rumours the club had signed off-contract enforcer Matt Lodge.
Flanagan has publicly expressed his desire to bring in another middle forward for the 2025 season and Molo's potential exit would leave the Red V even thinner in the position.
