https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/cowboys/josh-mcguire-has-been-moved-by-the-growth-of-his-fellow-aspley-devils-junior/news-story/a0ae1e899a0523b8020d895795428aca THE “whirlwind” ride for Francis Molo is only just beginning. From a Brisbane Bronco with high hopes, to a football player in limbo, to a staple in the North Queensland Cowboys line up. It is a journey Josh McGuire has watched intently, and now proudly, since the pair’s days at Aspley Devils. The State of Origin forward knew the 10-year-old Molo who played alongside the former’s brother. They found themselves playing alongside each other at the Broncos, and now form an important one-two punch in the Cowboys line up. Prior to the NRL season’s suspension, Molo had been in fine form off the pine.
In each of the opening matches he ran for more than 100 metres and his impact helped shift the momentum of the contest. McGuire said the 26-year-old’s output was no fluke, rather a credit to his years of dedicated efforts to improve himself. This showcase of consistency is the next in becoming a day in day out professional when the competition eventually resumes. “With consistent first-grade, sometimes it takes people a little bit longer,” McGuire said. “It probably took Frank a little bit longer than he thought it would, but he’s definitely reaping all the rewards and he deserves it from all the hard work he’s put in. “I’ve seen him go through the highs and lows of his footy career. He’s got a young family now and has made a lot of changes in his life with his training and work ethic.” With a Cowboys backline brimming with new combination, the foundation laid by Molo and the rest of the forwards will be crucial once the NRL returns. North Queensland coach Paul Green said prior to the coronavirus pandemic that his new combinations would need game time in order to gel, which the postponement of the season now prevents. In order to give the likes of Valentine Holmes, Esan Marsters, Michael Morgan and Scott Drinkwater the opportunity to develop a rapport on the field, the ground work laid in the front line will be a key cog to any immediate success. And Molo’s output will be a pivotal supporting act to barnstorming lock Jason Taumalolo. Even when the former Dally M medal winner broke a record for run metres against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in round two, it was hardly surprising for McGuire. It is simply what he expects of his awe-inspiring teammate. “To be honest I’ve grown accustomed to it so I didn’t know until after the game. It’s just what Jason does, when you’re that big and strong and fast anything is possible,” McGuire said. “I’m just fortunate enough to be on his side, I don’t have to tackle him anymore. “It’s crazy to think he’s only 26. He’s still young body wise but he’s a very experienced football player. “You never really know rugby league, you’re always learning, so he’s only going to get better.”
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AuthorThis section showcases a collection of some of the work I did covering the North Queensland Cowboys - from match reports, to player features to breaking news. Archives
June 2020
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