The Rumours Thread

[Gardenia]

Surely it was an accident. I feel sorry for all involved.

I agree.

 

[Gardenia]

To be fair
'an interaction with a St George Illawarra staffer' is hardly enough information to make an informed decision

The article also states
The Dragons are concerned about Molo’s welfare, which is why they have granted him indefinite leave while the situation remains unresolved.

So it sounds like they can understand his reaction - albeit delayed reaction.

looks like we play the waiting game again

I hope not. Have to see I guess

 

[Gardenia]

Regarding the Frank Molo situation

Why did he wait until right before the season starts to speak up? That timing seems off.

I also hope the club addresses any inappropriate behavior from staff if there were issues with how they treated players.

What a mess.

I hate to say it, but it’s hard to ignore the fact that there seems to be a culture problem at the club. The toxicity has been there for a while, and I think most of us have known that—but we were hopeful that things would change with Flanno’s arrival.

 

[Gardenia]

Yeah, but I didn’t argue that.

I suggested that if he’s brought the union in, then he’s willing to let more people in on the issue. So he’s confident about the justice of his claim.

I agree with the above. If this were a scam, it would take a certain level of audacity—almost psychopathy—to involve the union. On the other hand, if someone genuinely felt threatened, upset, or in need of protection, then bringing in the union would make perfect sense.

 

[Wolfgang90]

I don't get how he returns to the playing group now. They'd walk on eggshells around him, not knowing if he'll randomly ask to leave again and/or awkwardness between the staff & Molo. I don't think this situation is salvageable. The staff issue excuse seems fishy. If Molo gets released then should put a clause saying he can't play against us.

 

[Saints Forever]

I don't get how he returns to the playing group now. They'd walk on eggshells around him, not knowing if he'll randomly ask to leave again and/or awkwardness between the staff & Molo. I don't think this situation is salvageable. The staff issue excuse seems fishy. If Molo gets released then should put a clause saying he can't play against us.

Agreed Wolfgang90

The question is whether this is really a mental health issue or not

Professional athletes are paid a significant amount of money to perform at a high level

I cannot imagine a staff member speaking to Molo about either of his past 2 major issues

Would love to hear the player or his representatives version of the story.

The timing of this, when the “incident” occurred last year makes me feel the mental health “issue” is being rolled out to obtain a favourable release.

I am sure he will be released as soon as Flanno finds a suitable replacement.

Unsure whether Guler is that replacement or not.

I have rarely seen Francis make an impact on a game in attack or defence. He has a small motor for an “elite” athlete.

 

[St Tangles]

I agree with the above. If this were a scam, it would take a certain level of audacity—almost psychopathy—to involve the union. On the other hand, if someone genuinely felt threatened, upset, or in need of protection, then bringing in the union would make perfect sense.

People bring the union in wether they are in the wrong or right especially when their employment is on the line.
Happens all the time.

 

[Auntie.Gerald]

Lodge as a starting prop

Emre bench

probably is better than having a disillusioned F Molo in the squad

I’m guessing Lodge will hold out for a two year contract though

I can’t see Flano keen on two years for Lodge x 2 ACL recons

 

[Rocket Rod]

This is a whole lot of crap. A rely ruinwith a staffer! Really? He’s supposed to be a hard nosed prop. What was said in this interaction? All these precious players today are boring spoilt entitled brats. Could you imagine Chook or Changa having an interaction with a staffer and then having a sook?? Hardly. You tell whoever it was to F off and get on with it . Grow some balls you new age brats.

 

[maestro1]

Regarding the Frank Molo situation

Why did he wait until right before the season starts to speak up? That timing seems off.

I also hope the club addresses any inappropriate behavior from staff if there were issues with how they treated players.

What a mess.

I hate to say it, but it’s hard to ignore the fact that there seems to be a culture problem at the club. The toxicity has been there for a while, and I think most of us have known that—but we were hopeful that things would change with Flanno’s arrival.

The removal of the toxicity cannot happen in one foul swoop. It will happen but a club is made up of multiple entities that all have contracts negotiated at different times for different lengths of time and individualised to some extent. It will take as long as it takes. But it surely is happening. I'd say this is why Flanno learnt a long time ago, not to give in too easily to requests for the extra year by JDB, RCG, etc.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

To my knowledge, footy players are a sensitive lot. I don’t think they mind being “encouraged” in what we consider may be harsh language and off behaviour but at the same time, these representations should be under an umbrella of respect and professionalism. Criticism is often used as a motivating tool, but it should be used in context, preferably constructive.

Bunt didn’t like the criticism one bit and he stewed over it and threatened to strike. But he had serious ego and narcissistic issues as well as a profoundly undeserved sense of misplaced grandeur and entitlement. I don’t think Molo is of the same ilk.

In terms of timing, we don’t know whether he raised the issue higher up previously and maybe he’s been told nothing is going to happen with it so he goes on his personal strike and seeks a release.

He parted ways with his former manager so they were at odds. I’d suggest his former manager told him to calm down.

And for mine, I’m not going to put up with a boss who is a dickhead for the sake of it. If s/he has a penchant for demeaning and belittling behaviour that doesn’t cut it and he or she can shove their job.I don’t expect to be grovelled to, but any genuine bad humour and pattern of crap then Im out of there. I feel bad for employees who don’t have this option.

I don’t have any issues with the union attending. Hopefully they are giving Molo good advice. Their constant support of a rogue Latrell hasn’t been that helpful, but they have raised salaries for the little guys which I thought was fair.

 

[Rocket Rod]

To my knowledge, footy players are a sensitive lot. I don’t think they mind being “encouraged” in what we consider may be harsh language and off behaviour but at the same time, these representations should be under an umbrella of respect and professionalism. Criticism is often used as a motivating tool, but it should be used in context, preferably constructive.

Bunt didn’t like the criticism one bit and he stewed over it and threatened to strike. But he had serious ego and narcissistic issues as well as a profoundly undeserved sense of misplaced grandeur and entitlement. I don’t think Molo is of the same ilk.

In terms of timing, we don’t know whether he raised the issue higher up previously and maybe he’s been told nothing is going to happen with it so he goes on his personal strike and seeks a release.

He parted ways with his former manager so they were at odds. I’d suggest his former manager told him to calm down.

And for mine, I’m not going to put up with a boss who is a dickhead for the sake of it. If s/he has a penchant for demeaning and belittling behaviour that doesn’t cut it and he or she can shove their job.I don’t expect to be grovelled to, but any genuine bad humour and pattern of crap then Im out of there. I feel bad for employees who don’t have this option.

I don’t have any issues with the union attending. Hopefully they are giving Molo good advice. Their constant support of a rogue Latrell hasn’t been that helpful, but they have raised salaries for the little guys which I thought was fair.

I respectfully disagree with the majority of your comment. Footballers, especially props get paid a lot of money for maybe half a game. Way more money than they would earn in the general work force. Mostly they are uneducated by general standards and are very fortunate that they are big and strong and have some footy talent. A lot of them behave in an I’m untouchable manner and think they can get away with it. If prosecuted they then come up with some bullshit remorseful response. Their careers are short in terms of lifespan, and life after retirement is shaky unless they set themselves up whilst playing. It’s not your normal workplace like an office with boardrooms and office protocols leading to job advancement. The real world can become survival of the fittest and watching your back. Footy is just train and play that’s it. Why all the fuss they are privileged to have a job like that.

 

[Super Owl]

"Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter have told this masthead Molo took umbrage at an interaction with a St George Illawarra staffer. The alleged incident took place last year and did not prevent Molo from representing Samoa during the Pacific nation’s season-ending tour of England." SMH

Did another earlier article call the situation "delicate"?

Are these euphemisms for a female "staffer" and a sensitive and delicate situation?

 

[Macedonian Dragon]

Lodge as a starting prop

Emre bench

probably is better than having a disillusioned F Molo in the squad

I’m guessing Lodge will hold out for a two year contract though

I can’t see Flano keen on two years for Lodge x 2 ACL recons

Completely agree.

If we lose Molo then we should get Lodge for half the price

 

[Jubilee]

Completely agree.

If we lose Molo then we should get Lodge for half the price

When Molo is on the field you wouldn't know he was there anyway.

 

[Desperate Dragon]

Completely agree.

If we lose Molo then we should get Lodge for half the price

Fairly sure Flanagan was quoted at the recent fan day as saying "we have moved on from Lodge and he will not be joining the Dragons".
Thinking if Molo leaves Flanagan will be looking elsewhere for another big bopper in the middle.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

I respectfully disagree with the majority of your comment. Footballers, especially props get paid a lot of money for maybe half a game. Way more money than they would earn in the general work force. Mostly they are uneducated by general standards and are very fortunate that they are big and strong and have some footy talent. A lot of them behave in an I’m untouchable manner and think they can get away with it. If prosecuted they then come up with some bullshit remorseful response. Their careers are short in terms of lifespan, and life after retirement is shaky unless they set themselves up whilst playing. It’s not your normal workplace like an office with boardrooms and office protocols leading to job advancement. The real world can become survival of the fittest and watching your back. Footy is just train and play that’s it. Why all the fuss they are privileged to have a job like that.

Thanks for that perspective very much appreciated.

As a group I tend to see them more as highly strung athletes rather than simple minded chunks of meat with a death wish.

This is because the actual demands on each of them are much higher than ye olde days.

As a compromise, there are probably some in your category and some in mine.

Intelligence is an interesting concept. I always have a laugh at the Budweiser management with all of their best schools, top unis, rich and powerful connections- and they almost bankrupted a billion dollar company in a few weeks!

 

[SAP58]

BREAKING: Dragons Aggressively Pursuing Star NRL Prop as Francis Molo Eyes Shock Exit

St. George Illawarra Dragons are making a bold move in the transfer market, aggressively pursuing Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles’ powerhouse

sportsynergy.com.ng

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

BREAKING: Dragons Aggressively Pursuing Star NRL Prop as Francis Molo Eyes Shock Exit

St. George Illawarra Dragons are making a bold move in the transfer market, aggressively pursuing Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles’ powerhouse

sportsynergy.com.ng

He’s a bum.

Lazy, bad attitude and selfish.

Much better options out there.

Don’t be taking out the trash for Siebs!

 

[Hound of Dracula]

I met Joshua Aloiai around 2019/2020 at a WT fan day
he was most polite and respectful
The only player to get off his seat and pose properly for a photo with my son.

Yes he did shaft WT but he secured a financial windfall
Since then I reckon he has repaid his new employer in spades.
A mainstay for the last three years and was extended by "Seibs" last July for two more years. That doesn't smell like trash!

I would suggest an upgrade on Francis Molo for sure.