Dolphins sign Francis Molo as Tom Flegler replacement

The Dolphins have bolstered their forward pack by signing veteran prop Francis Molo, who recently secured a release from the St George Illawarra Dragons.

This move aims to address the void left by the injured State of Origin star Tom Flegler, whose indefinite absence has created significant concerns for the club.

Molo’s departure from the Dragons brings an end to a period of uncertainty surrounding his future after he was granted leave earlier this year following a disagreement with a member of the coaching staff.

His absence from training for over a month escalated tensions, and while he was initially contracted until the end of 2026, the Dragons ultimately agreed to release him under strict financial conditions.

The release was contingent on Molo repaying a six-figure sum that had been advanced by the rugby league club for personal purposes, including home renovations, as the Dragons sought to set a precedent for future player departures.

The Dolphins had been in the market for an experienced middle forward following the loss of Flegler, who suffered a serious shoulder injury in Round 5 of the 2024 season.

The injury led to nerve damage requiring surgery, and there are growing concerns within the club that he may never return to the NRL.

This uncertainty pushed the Dolphins to move quickly in securing Molo on a two-year deal, with the former Queensland Maroons representative seen as a valuable addition to their forward rotation.

The Dolphins will be hoping his experience and physical presence can compensate for the loss of Flegler and help them remain competitive in the middle of the field as they chase a maiden finals appearance in 2025.

Top online bookmakers have them slated at $4.50 to finish in the top eight this year, while odds of $71 are available for an unlikely premiership win.

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The Dragons, meanwhile, can now move forward with their own roster adjustments.

With Molo’s contract no longer an obstacle, the club is expected to ramp up its pursuit of State of Origin prop David Klemmer, who has been linked to the Red V in recent weeks.

Klemmer was initially lined up to take the roster spot of winger Mikaele Ravalawa, who was released to South Sydney on a short-term deal but is expected to return to the Dragons in 2026.

However, Molo’s release now gives the Dragons greater flexibility in their recruitment strategy as they seek to strengthen their forward pack for the remainder of the 2025 NRL season.

Top bookie BetOnline has the Saints at $5 to make the finals this year, while they sit on the last line of premiership betting at $101.

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