The Rumours Thread

[KogarahWarrior]

And Dan Hunt

Yeah Dan Hunt is a way better example. Merrin was one of our best performers for a while and actually had some really good skill

 

[saints4ever]

I will never forget the day Doust said they had to have money set aside for marquee players like Mitch Rein and Dan Hunt

 

[dungay dragon]

Was it Justin Poore who went to Parra on big big dollars , with them claiming he was the next Artie Beetson...
Didnt eventuate....

 

[Harry Bath]

I will never forget the day Doust said they had to have money set aside for marquee players like Mitch Rein and Dan Hunt

Oh FFS

 

[Harry Bath]

Yeah Dan Hunt is a way better example. Merrin was one of our best performers for a while and actually had some really good skill

I agree 100%, Merrin was really good before he went to the Riff, Dan Hunt could be Lawrie's cousin very similar players

 

[The Predictor]

Hello friends, personally I think u guys dodged a massive bullet regarding lodge, you’ve had enough dickheads over the years, bye for now

 

[Crush]

Hello friends, personally I think u guys dodged a massive bullet regarding lodge, you’ve had enough dickheads over the years, bye for now

We’ve had a few for sure.
Corey Norman on the top of the podium, a flop on the field and a flog off the field.
I think players like Dufty and Lomax are dickheads but more in a cheeky way, they seem like good people, just antagonistic maybe?
Hunt wasn’t a dickhead, more just selfish, not a leader, not cut out for captaincy, sure he’s a good bloke.
Hook hired a few, McGuire springs to mind, proper dickhead.

 

[Slippery Morris]

Lodge demanded top 30 and Flanno said goodbye. That to me is music to my ears. Flanno not taking just anyone. His way or the highway. Bennett did not want him and not even the Dogs and they were desperate for big forwards so that really says something to me. The only clubs I can see Lodge going to is the Warriors for the loss of AFB or Parra to replace RCG. Both rookie coaches who may take the bait and offer him 2 years.

Saints have some good young forwards coming through. Better not to invest in props from other sides and give these local boys a go. If they come good, you probably end up with a loyal player grateful for putting faith in them. They may end up costing much less to re-sign and stay a Dragon. If they fail then Saints can then go hard for 2026 for a few solid props. They will have cash to spend. It's all in the young fellas hands. Flanno has most forwards playing for their futures so they should all lift and bring out their best.

 

[TheRev]

It was the length of those contracts that was the issue, iirc Rein & D.Hunt signed +3yr extensions on top of their existing deals... you cant give long deals unless ur dead certain you want these blokes locked down, or to fend off rival clubs.

Its always easy in hindsight of course.... but both those guys were questionable at the time... the only bloke I think Flanno has extended for 3+ years is Atkinson.. someone who I think did enough in 2024 to not be a huge risk.. plus is flexible even if he isnt our 6 or 7.. plus we need to pull him out of a rival system.

Rest of Flannos deals are 1-2yrs.. hes really trying to keep a rolling roster that he can chip away at with improvements... plus keep fringe players hungry.. its an approach that carries its own risks too, not to mention it must be exhausting with constant negotiations.. but I think he sees it as the best approach for us.. and if he has the next Gallen or Ennis or Maloney.. he will lock them up.. but gotta see the evidence first.. Next blokes who might get that contract are 'maybe' a Couchman or a Tonga if they have big years, Lawson maybe if he fires (hes eager and at the right age).. but a lot of our other blokes I think are going to be 1-2yrs at a time.

 

[Murfy]

Apparently Franc Molo is refusing to train and wants an immediate release according to Carayannis… just seen Chammas report that he has been given a leave of absence for mental health reasons

 

[KingFlanno7]

Talk about a kick in the guts, we are already short on middles just gets better and better doesn't it

 

[hewi]

Dragons prop’s future in doubt after being granted leave​

By Michael Chammas and Dan Walsh​

January 22, 2025 — 2.


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.



Play Video
https://archive.md/6msBT#

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https://archive.md/6msBT#
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.

 

[Saints Forever]

Talk about a kick in the guts, we are already short on middles just gets better and better doesn't it

Sorry to hear Francis wants a release and may be having mental health issues

loos like Tarzan, generally plays like Jane

If he took Michael with him, I wouldn’t be upset

yes I know we are short on bigs and I am probably a bit cranky and irrational today

 

[Biglance]

i am stunned by this but i am seriously concerned if he's gone, I agree he hasn't lived up to potential but he is better than most of the frf stocks

 

[KingFlanno7]

Can't have players that don't want to be here but geez after the Hunt and Lomax drama now this. Unbelievable

 

[Murfy]

Probably has a deal lined up with another club hence the release request. You would assume he wants to go back to QLD

 

[The Word]

Something smells off here. If it was truly mental health issues surely you would concentrate on treatment and getting better before deciding what your long term future holds? If your mental illness prevents you from going to work your salary would still be paid for a period of time, why cut this off, its financial security at a difficult time. Unless you are actually agitating to join another club perhaps.
I probably shouldn't speculate but it sounds odd.

 

[Dragsters]

If it means we lose him and his brother and pick up Lodge and perhaps another I wouldn't be too upset...

 

[Dribble&Yarn]

Who knows what's happened - could be a relationship breakup, family issue, a whole number of things that have brought this on. Does not make it purely a wanting to get out of the club issue - lets reserve judgement on this until more info has come out. It does however leave us short if he does leave, looks like we would go back to Lodge lol

 

[St Tangles]

I hope he is ok
Personally I'd be letting him go