The Salary Cap Saga at St George Illawarra: Francis Molo’s Departure
St George Illawarra has recently made headlines in the NRL world as Francis Molo has agreed to pay back part of his salary in order to leave the club, providing the Dragons with some much-needed salary cap flexibility. This decision comes after a two-month-long dispute that has finally been resolved.
Background of the Dispute
Francis Molo had taken a leave of absence from Dragons training earlier this year after a disagreement with a coach. This led to a prolonged contract dispute that had been a constant headache for the club, as they were unable to sign a replacement for Molo due to their full top-30 roster.
Resolution and Departure
The resolution of the dispute includes Molo paying a termination fee and agreeing to return a significant sum of money to break his contract with the Dragons. This departure clears up significant salary cap space for the club, as Molo was on a lucrative deal for the upcoming seasons.
Impact on the Salary Cap
- The majority of Molo’s salary will not be counted towards this year’s cap.
- His entire salary for the following year will be wiped from the 2026 cap.
- One spot is now vacant on the Dragons’ 2025 30-man roster.
Team Updates and Future Plans
With the departure of Molo, the Dragons have signed former Test prop David Klemmer and welcomed back Blake Lawrie from injury. Additionally, Hame Sele and Tom Eisenhuth are expected to return in the coming weeks to bolster the team’s forward pack. However, the Dragons may look to fill their 30th roster spot with a forward following a season-ending injury to prop Ryan Couchman.
Conclusion
The resolution of Francis Molo’s contract dispute provides St George Illawarra with much-needed flexibility in their salary cap and roster management. The departure of Molo opens up opportunities for the club to strengthen their squad and make strategic signings for the future.
FAQs
What led to Francis Molo’s departure from St George Illawarra?
Molo’s departure was a result of a contract dispute that stemmed from a disagreement during training earlier this year.
How does Molo’s departure impact the Dragons’ salary cap?
Molo’s departure clears significant salary cap space for the Dragons, as his salary will not count towards this year’s cap and will be completely wiped from the 2026 cap.