A niece to NRL stars Francis and Michael Molo, Tia Molo is busy making a name for herself in the women’s game and has already achieved international honours with Papua New Guinea Orchids.
WHEN Tia Molo gave up her love of playing netball to pursue a career in rugby league, never in her wildest dreams did she think she would be representing her Papua New Guinean heritage at such an early age.
Somewhat of a late bloomer to the game of rugby league at the tender age of 16, the proud Papua New Guinean/Samoan young gun has certainly turned heads out on the field.
Whilst the university student juggles both study and rugby league trying to find the perfect balance, one thing for sure is that the promising centre is on the cusp of impressive things to come.
“Growing up in a dual netball/rugby league family, I was always destined to play one or the other.
“I started netball because all my friends were playing it and I just loved the camaraderie amongst the girls.
“I seemed to have really found my feet with the sport and ended up representing the Australian girls’ netball team two years ago.
“However, I always wanted to give rugby league a go because I liked playing it in the backyard with my siblings and cousins.
“So, my parents signed me up at my local club Pine Central Holy Spirit and before you know it, I instantly fell in love with the game.
“I found it a bit tough at first, getting to know the rules properly and positioning on the field, but once I got going, I never looked back.
“It was tough choosing between netball and rugby league, but I know I made the right choice in the end.”
The apple certainly does not fall far from the tree in the Molo household with her uncles Francis and Michael Molo, both NRL stars with the Dolphins and St George-Illawarra, respectively.
“Both my uncles are talented players and I must have that Samoan toughness about me because I love the physical nature of rugby league.
“Since I started my rugby league journey, I must admit, the opportunities that have come my way have been crazy.
“I was lucky enough to represent Samoa in the girls U17 side in this years Queensland Pacific Cultural carnival, something that was special to me because I was representing my dad’s Samoan heritage.
“When you pull on that Samoan jersey, it is hard not get emotional especially with the national anthem playing, it gives you goosebumps.”
Molo’s performances for her domestic club also gained her selection in this year’s women’s Queensland City side v Queensland Country at the Dolphins’ Kayo Stadium.
The speedy centre crossed for a try in the 20-4 victory and was one of the shining lights on the day.
“Representing Queensland was another box ticked for me. I thought how good is this that I am running out for Queensland in my own backyard in front of my family, it was a real pinch yourself moment.”
But it was Molo’s selection in the Papua New Guinea Junior Orchids side against Australia in 2025, that has really seen her explode on the international stage.
Suiting up and playing against some of the best NRLW players running around would not only evaluate her endurance but give her an indication of where she is at in terms of her skillset.
Plucked from obscurity from the local amateur competition in Brisbane, the effervescent Molo seized her opportunity with both hands.
“When the Orchids found out that I had PNG heritage, they reached out inviting me to join the Junior Orchids squad.
“At the time, it had not really sunk in because I was nervous joining the team not knowing anybody.
“But once I got over to PNG, the girls were lovely. They made me feel welcome and this is coming from players who have loads more experience than I do.
“I knew playing for the Orchids was going to make my mum proud and now that I have worn the PNG jersey, it is something that I will always treasure.”
Molo’s introduction to the fanatical PNG supporters was also quite the culture shock when she arrived in the country.
Visiting rugby league teams may find the PNG fanaticism overwhelming with excited supporters looking for a glimpse of the players.
However, Molo’s introduction was quite the welcome.
“When we pulled up to our hotel, the PNG fans were jumping on the bus banging the windows and cheering us on.
“I’ve never experienced anything like it before and the noise was deafening with the screaming.
“It was unbelievable to see it all unfold.
“We even had fans camping outside our hotel wanting to meet us, that is how fanatical the supporters are in PNG.”
Molo, who featured for the Orchids in this year’s Pacific Championships believes the women’s game is getting stronger and wants to see the nation become an unstoppable force in the future.
“We need to keep banging the drum for women’s rugby league in PNG. We have the talent and playing the likes of Australia gives us the opportunity to fine tune our skills.
“If you want to be the best, you need to play the best, so ensuring that we have proper pathways in place for our PNG girls is paramount if we want to be competitive into the future.
“What I love about both PNG and Samoa is that we are deeply cultural. That side of things is something I am passionate about.
“Representing my family and our people not only makes you proud, but it also puts our nations on the map to show others how fiercely competitive we are.
“For now, I just want to concentrate on hopefully getting a call up to an NRLW club to show people that I am ready to make the step up.
“I was just a girl with a big dream of making it in a game that requires you to be mentally and physically strong.
“To those ladies who think that the possible is impossible, do not for a second let anything stop you in reaching for the stars.
“You just never know who is watching and what opportunities may lie ahead.”
First published in Rugby League World magazine, Issue 515 (December 2025)