St George Illawarra’s nightmare summer has taken another hit with forward Francis Molo pleading guilty to a domestic-related intimidation charge.
The former Queensland State of Origin prop appeared on Wednesday before a Port Kembla Local Court, where he pleaded guilty to a charge of intimidation from December.
The matter has been referred to the NRL’s integrity unit, who will wait until the court hearing on March 22 before deciding whether to punish the 28-year-old.
“The Integrity Unit is aware that Dragons player Francis Molo has today pleaded guilty to a charge of intimidation (domestic violence related),” an NRL spokesman said.
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“The matter remains before the court. The NRL will await the conclusion of those proceedings before finalising its process and determining any applicable sanction under the NRL rules.”
It means Molo will be free to play until that point, with the NRL opting against enforcing the discretionary no-fault stand-down policy on the forward.
Francis Molo. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
The incident is the latest drama to hit the Dragons during the pre-season.
Five-eighth Talatau Amone has been stood down and waiting to face court next month on a charge of reckless grievous bodily harm in company for an alleged hammer attack.
Winger Mikaele Ravalawa and forward Zane Musgrove have both also been fined by the club for a heated argument at their team hotel in Mudgee on the morning after the Charity Shield.
Teammate Aaron Woods insisted this week there was little in the incident.
“We were staying at a hotel all together and we were allowed to have a few beers,” Woods said on Triple M.
“Because we have the bye round one and don’t play until the Sunday of round two we went out and ended up coming home and a couple of the boys got rowdy in the hotel room.
“It was similar to Jack (Wighton) and Latrell (Mitchell), no police involvement or anything in it.
“A little bit of argument between men, a little bit of wrestling and afterwards we’re all good again.”
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
It reminds me of the old days of player scandals: "Me and the boys were having a few quiet beers minding our own business. Then some bloke I never met came up to me and king hit me for no reason" Soon followed by, "Yeah few words were exchanged but I wasnt drunk" Then: "We had had a few beers but we had been celebrating a win. But it wasnt a skinful" Soon followed by, "There was a bit of push and shove but nothing in it" And finally, "He was angry about me and his misso. She told me she wasnt married"
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
He is a fantastic PRop and should continue in this duel role for at least another 10 years.
RayinSydney
Roar Rookie
They should only be supporting him by arranging his Uber home and making sure he’s understanding what de registered means.
Tony
Roar Guru
Punted from the game altogether preferably
Tony
Roar Guru
The Dragons are "supporting him" apparently
RayinSydney
Roar Rookie
If he’s pleaded guilty to DV, then what’s to think about, get him out of the game, surely it’s a no brainer from the NRL and the Dragons. Eaither take a stand, or keep allowing it. The NRLW must find this interesting, would love to hear their take on it.
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
It’s just the latest incident. If that was the only thing, then your point is totally correct. But this club is broken at all levels. Really needs a complete clean out from top to bottom, but I doubt enough people at the club are willing to do the right thing.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
:laughing: I have known [insert name here] since ...
Dumbo
Roar Rookie
I think that the reason is that they have no details of what took place. To put it in speeding terms, was he doing 50 in a 40 zone, or 120 in a 60 zone having already lost his licence for a previous traffic incident ? Until the NRL or Saints know the details, neither can make any sensible decision on what would be an appropriate sanction.
GP
Guest
Fair enough. Seemed like you were referring to this specific incident.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I don’t quite understand. He’s pleaded guilty to DV, so the NRL now waits to see what punishment the courts dish out to determine what they will do? I would understand if he was pleading not guilty and challenging it. He should be stood down immediately, if not by the NRL, then the Dragons.
Craig
Guest
Matt Lodge should have been the first one punted.
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
I'm not talking about this specific incident. Look at all the problems this club has bene experiencing over the past few years. There's something really rotten in the culture. From the Board down.
Heyou
Roar Rookie
Right! That’s IT! I’m going social media any media silent until the Dragons play in round two! I can’t hack it no more. Maybe I’ll quit my team and my club :shocked: I jest big time. That’ll never happen. They best have a victory at Kogarah or there will be a mass exodus of supporters. Deja vu much? Shoulda given Hook the old heave ho in the off season but they were not so brave… or maybe they are just way thrifty? And no way Des would consider us. And no way I want another old school mega power mad bloke with good hair flicking moves. I have no sympathy for myself and I’m giving myself an uppercut… but it won’t make no difference. :crying:
Tony
Roar Guru
It's something the NRL should do - get rid of any players who are convicted of domestic violence, sexual assault, GBH, etc. Take it out of the hands of the clubs.
GP
Guest
Just kick them out of the comp. It's the lowest of the low behaviour.
Tony
Roar Guru
Actually, I'd rather him in PR than the 30 man squad :happy:
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
All of a sudden Woods is the " go to" man or head of public relations for the dragon's. No wonder they're travelling badly .
Tony
Roar Guru
Still - good riddance
GP
Guest
Agreed. Unfortunately, he'd probably get picked up by another club and then made vice captain, like the worm at the Warriors: Addin Fonua-Blake