MOLO MAKES EVERY RUN COUNT
TOUGH FEW YEARS FOR PROP BUT IT’S GETTING BETTER
NORTH Queensland Cowboys forward Francis Molo says it has been a rough couple of years for him but a fresh start in Townsville has seen his confidence return.
Molo has come off the bench in each game this year, his longest stint at NRL level since he debuted with the Broncos in 2014.
“It means a lot to come back after a rough couple of years and to play consecutive (games),” he said.
COWBOYS forward Francis Molo credits a fresh start in Townsville for giving him the confidence to realise his rugby league potential.
The softly spoken prop has come off the bench in all six games for the Cowboys this season, which is his longest consecutive stint at NRL level since debuting for the Broncos in 2014.
Molo has made every run count too – averaging 55m despite only playing 18 minutes per game – behind North Queensland’s starting front row of Matt Scott and Jordan Mclean.
It has been a long journey back for Molo, who spent three years out of the NRL after the fallout from the tragic tackle which resulted in the death of Sunshine Coast Falcons forward James Ackerman in 2015.
The 24-year-old parted ways with the Broncos and joined the Townsville Blackhawks in 2017, playing well enough to secure a deal with the Cowboys, which saw him play seven NRL games last season.
Molo’s tireless efforts to return to first grade were rewarded with a two-year contract extension and the Cook Islands international said he was grateful for the chance to keep proving himself for the Cowboys.
“It means a lot to come back after a rough couple of years and to play consecutive (games). I’m really enjoying my footy and I’m getting confidence out of it,” Molo said.
“I brought my two little ones and my missus up here, so looking back now and playing since Round 1, it was all worth it.
“I just love the culture (at the Cowboys). The boys are a pretty tight-knit group. As soon as I came here it was like I was a brother.
“You’ve got Matt Scott, Mclean, (Jason) Taumalolo, (John) Asiata – they’re all quality players. I try and take what I can from them every session and every game. It’s a challenge staying in first grade. I know week-to-week I’ve got to be at my best so it just comes back to doing my job and trying to bring the energy off the bench.”
Molo’s impact has been vital for the Cowboys as they’ve needed all hands on deck after losing superstar lock Jason Taumalolo for at least six weeks with a knee injury.
Molo was happy with his performances so far this season, but he said he was always looking for ways to improve his game and keep the Cowboys rolling forward.
“I’m not much of a talker so I just try and show it on the field by my actions,” Molo said.
“Every run I try and make the most of it and run as hard as I can and just keep pushing myself to keep going.
“The coaches have been speaking to me and it’s been pretty positive feedback. I ask for feedback a lot and see what I can work on in my game.
“It just goes back to playing week-to-week. I’m getting confident and so confidence brings it out of my game. I’ll just keep working on those things and try and get better every week.”
The Cowboys snapped a four-game losing streak with last weekend’s 17-10 win over the Warriors in New Zealand and Molo felt they were starting to find some much-needed consistency as a team.