Powerhouse pair a stellar combination
ENERGY and impact.
It has been the motto of Francis Molo as he injects himself off the pine this season and now he has a new student buying into the philosophy.
Man mountain Pete Hola has been impressive since getting his start in the NRL, and has taken a leaf out of Molo’s book by playing the game at 100 miles an hour whenever he gets on the field.
The pair have become the perfect one-two punch for the Cowboys, giving the forward pack an injection of raw power either side of halftime.
Hola believes their success has come from their communication with each other.
“I think we definitely are (becoming a strong combination). Both of us coming off the bench and always talking to each other, helping each other on the field,” he said.
“It really helps the impact off the bench, and I think we’re going good.
“Especially for Frank, (he has been) playing consistent games this season, he is bringing plenty of energy off the bench and he is growing in confidence every game. That grows on me and hopefully I can do the same. I am definitely (getting lessons off him). This year he has become more professional and I definitely want to be like that next year.”
Molo has been one of the club’s big improvers this season having played in all 23 games for the club.
While his on-field minutes have fluctuated, he has earned the trust of Paul Green in the back end of the year. Green has increased the output from Molo to more than 30 minutes per game over the past month, and the forward has repaid the faith, averaging more than 110 metres per game.
With the departure of club veterans Matt Scott and Scott Bolton at the end of the season, the 25-year-old has an opportunity to step up to a leadership role but he said it had not played on his mind.
“At the moment I am just taking it day by day and worrying about myself,” he said.
“In the coming years, if I have to step up to that and give the young boys a bit of leadership, I will do my best to see what I can offer. I have been very happy with how I went this season. To go from worrying about making the team every week, to being the regular this year has been a very positive move for me.”
Molo is also keen to see the improvement in his protege, who he believes has the perfect mix of power and ability. But despite Hola’s imposing 192cm, 110kg frame, the elder of the pair is sure he “still has him covered”.
“I think both of us are just trying to do the job to the best we can, and if we can complement each other on the field then that is even better for the both of us,” Molo said.
“I think as Pete gets older and the more experience he gets, the better he will become. I think he is just a natural footballer.”