Furious Dolphins fans have slammed the NRL club for chasing the signature of Dragons enforcer Francis Molo, who was involved in a tragedy that took the life of one of the team’s favourite sons.
Molo, 30, is tipped to be released by the Red V once he pays back a reported $100,000 in advanced wages, with the matter in the hands of lawyers.
If Molo does end up with the club, some supporters feel it will be highly disrespectful to James Ackerman, who was a legend at the Redcliffe Dolphins between 2008 and 2014.
Ackerman – a father of two – died in 2015 after suffering bleeding to the brain when Molo’s shoulder hit him on the chin in a tackle gone wrong.
At the time Molo was playing for Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup, with Ackerman having left the Dolphins to link up with the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
Following an inquest into Ackerman’s death, the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) banned Molo for eight games – with shoulder charges banned by the code.
Furious Dolphins fans have slammed the NRL club amid speculation St George Illawarra Dragons enforcer Francis Molo (pictured) will soon be on their books
In 2015, Redcliffe Dolphins club legend James Ackerman died from bleeding to the brain following a hit to his chin from Molo’s shoulder in a Queensland Cup match
News of the potential Francis Molo signing at the Dolphins wasn’t well received by some fans on social media (pictured)
Others pointed to Molo being charged with stalking or intimidating with intent to cause fear of physical or mental harm in a domestic setting in December of 2022
With Molo tipped to join Kristian Woolf’s top 30 squad effective immediately, many rusted-on Dolphins supporters are in disbelief.
‘Those in charge of the club clearly have no morals…terrible decision and I won’t be supporting them again until Molo has left the club,’ said one on social media.
‘I’m off the Dolphins now, it’s an absolute disgrace,’ a second posted.
A third had a different view, stating: ‘Accidents happen….we need a forward like Molo.’
Molo was also charged in December of 2022 with stalking/intimidating a woman who was known to him.
He later pleaded guilty to a domestic violence charge, which saw the NRL ban Molo for two games.
The former Queensland Origin representative was also fined $15,000 and required to undergo education training.
Meanwhile, Molo’s manager Wayde Rushton said the pending move to the Dolphins was ‘not about money’ – it was more about playing for a club where he had a strong relationship with the coaching staff and the front-rower felt he could thrive.
James Ackerman (pictured carrying the ball) represented the Dolphins between 2008 and 2014, graduating from Colts to Queensland Cup
Molo has represented the Broncos, Cowboys and Dragons (pictured) in the NRL dating back to 2014
It is understood Molo fell out with the coaching staff at the Dragons due to his strong views on alcohol.
‘There is a bit of paperwork going backwards and forwards but everyone is on the same page and Frank will be going to the Dolphins,’ Rushton said.
‘There were a few Sydney clubs involved trying to get him, but the Dolphins worked out as the best fit.
‘Frank is most comfortable going there. He has played under Kristian Woolf before and knows (development coach) Kurt Richards and the crew out there.’
Molo’s likely arrival at the Dolphins will boost a forward pack which has lost Jesse Bromwich to retirement and Queensland Origin prop Tom Flegler until his long-term shoulder injury heals.