RUGBY LEAGUE Molo’s push for spot in NQ pack
COWBOYS prop Francis Molo will gladly play a Queensland Cup game this weekend if it means securing a starting spot for Round 1.
Molo is ready to play as part of a large contingent of Cowboys teammates playing in this weekend’s opening round of the Q Cup, with Nene MacDonald, Jake Clifford and Enari Taula (Northern Pride) headlining North Queensland’s allocations.
A major opportunity has opened up for Molo with the sidelining of veteran Cowboys forward Scott Bolton, who is set to miss five games in the wake of his suspension by the NRL.
Molo has lost 4kg during North Queensland’s pre-season and relished playing with a lighter weight during the club’s two trial games, a factor he hopes will propel him into coach Paul Green’s 17 come March 16 for the Cowboys’ NRL season opener.
Ten days remain between now and kick-off – more than enough time to soothe sore muscles and catch a breath – but Molo is eager to play with his Q Cup allocated side the Townsville Blackhawks on Sunday.
The former Broncos-contracted player was not named in the Blackhawks’ squad to face the Jets earlier in the week, but Molo is keen to play.
“I’ll probably find out later in the week if I’ll get a run,” Molo said. “I wouldn’t mind getting a game this week and getting my legs ticking. “So we’ll see what happens.” Molo played seven games for the Cowboys last year and was re-signed for another two seasons, taking him through to at least the end of 2020.
He is competing for a spot in what is arguably the NRL’s most formidable forward pack, with Test forwards Matt Scott, Jason Taumalolo and Jordan McLean complemented by workhorses such as John Asiata, Corey Jensen and Bolton.
Being part of such a loaded pack, Molo is keen to take advantage of any opportunity that comes his way
“I’ll do my best to make the most of it,” Molo said. “There’s still a few boys competing for that spot, so it’s up to Greeny, what he wants to do.
“So I’ll keep doing my best and working hard on things.”
Better eating habits combined with a gruelling pre-season has Molo confident he can enjoy a breakout season.
“I worked a lot in the offseason with eating and doing extras, so I came back in good nick and I’m going all right,” Molo said.
“Just eating greens and portions; sometimes I tend to eat more. (I’d eat) a bit of Maccas and KFC ... I knew what I had to work on.
“I’ve only played two (trial) games but I was carrying a bit better and getting around the park better, so hopefully I keep going and be more consistent this year.”