Francis Molo's Surprising NRL Contract Decision

Dolphins forward Francis Molo appears set to extend his stay with the club, agreeing to a $1 million contract over two years.

With his existing contract expiring at the end of the 2026 NRL season, Molo, who joined the Dolphins last year following a messy departure from the St George Illawarra Dragons, has been discussing his future lately.

The Dolphins regard him as an essential member of their forward rotation and have outmaneuvered other interested clubs to secure his signature, according to News Corp.

This two-year extension means Molo will remain with the Redcliffe-based team until at least the conclusion of 2028. Interestingly, reports suggest he has chosen a lower salary with the Dolphins compared to offers from other teams.

The deal is estimated to have left around $100,000 or more annually on the table, with Molo's earning potential believed to be around $650,000 yearly if he had signed elsewhere.

As the Dolphins aim to reach their first finals series this season, their talented roster is constrained by a tight salary cap, limiting potential financial negotiations with Molo.

Key players like Tom Flegler, Tom Gilbert, Felise Kaufusi, Morgan Knowles, Max Plath, young prospect Elijah Rasmussen, and former Knight Sebastian Su'a are all committed through at least 2027, solidifying the Dolphins' forward depth with Molo's signing.

This will present coach Kristian Woolf, reportedly influential in Molo's decision, with an ongoing selection challenge as he strives to guide the team into the top eight.

For that goal to be achievable, the Dolphins must bolster their middle defense, despite being the top-scoring team in 2025, as they aim for playoff success.