Latest news with #TaylanMay
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Troubled footy player set to be handed career lifeline after domestic violence charges against him were withdrawn
Taylan May is reportedly on the cusp of being offered a deal to join up with a new NRL club and could return to play over the next month. The 23-year-old former Penrith Panthers player is, according to The Sydney Morning Herald, could resurrect his NRL career with the Wests Tigers. The move would see him join up with his older brother Terrell May. May was indefinitely stood down by Penrith under the NRL's no-fault stand-down policy in May of last year, with the club later announcing that he'd be leaving the side by mutual agreement. His exit came after he had faced serious accusations relating to an incident in April 2024 at a home in Werrington, with May being charged with domestic violence offences. He later pleaded not guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of stalking or intimidation intending to cause fear of harm and two counts of contravening an AVO. The charges were later withdrawn. Peter V'landys later confirmed that May could return to play following the dismissal of the charges but the former Penrith player, who made his debut in 2021, delayed any such comeback. The winger had checked into a mental health clinic earlier this year to focus on his well-being. In May, he broke his silence on admitting himself to the facility to Channel 9, stating that he felt like he was 'a whole different person now.' He also added that he could play as early as 'next week', dismissing claims that he would not be a risk to other clubs in the NRL. Now, The Sydney Morning Herald writes that the winger 'underwent a medical exam' at the Tigers on monday. The rugby league player is also understood to have snubbed a train-and-trial offer from the Rabbitohs having visited the club two weeks ago. However, the outlet adds that sources close to the deal say the footy player was drawn to the prospect of playing alongside his older brother Terrell at the Tigers. It comes as Sam Burgess had also reportedly attempted to coax May to join Super League club Warrington. But the former Penrith player has made it clear that he is set on staying in Australia so that he can play alongside his brother. 'I'll just put it out there, I honestly wanna play with my brother,' he recently told Channel 9. 'He has spoken about that in the media and it will be a dream come true, not just for us but for my family. Playing with him would light a bigger fire inside me.'
News.com.au
17 hours ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Tigers on cusp of resurrecting Taylan May's NRL career after Souths snub
Taylan May is reportedly on the cusp of restarting his NRL career at the Wests Tigers alongside his older brother Terrell. May made his debut at the Panthers in 2021 and has played 30 NRL games, but he didn't feature in any of their grand finals and departed the club last year following a string of off-feld incidents. The 23-year-old spent time in a mental health facility earlier this year in an experience he said changed his life. But now May could be back playing first grade in a matter of weeks with the outside back set to accept a train-and-trial contract to play under Benji Marshall. May underwent a medical at the Tigers on Monday, according to The SMH, and could begin training with the club this week once the deal is sealed. May was unable to sign with a club while he was stood down by the NRL under the code's no-fault stand-down policy following charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of stalking or intimidation intending to cause fear of harm, and two counts of contravening an AVO, to all of which he pleaded not guilty. The charges were withdrawn and May is now free to restart his NRL career. He toured the Rabbitohs facilities last month but knocked back their train-and-trial offer as he sees a clearer path to a top 30 contract at the Tigers. May also reportedly knocked back an offer to play under Sam Burgess at Warrington in the Super League. KNIGHTS VETERAN COULD BE SQUEEZED OUT Knights veteran Dane Gagai could be forced to leave the club at the end of the season after it was revealed Newcastle are unwilling to take up his $400,000 team option for 2026. The Newcastle Herald reported Gagai had a team option to remain at the Knights in 2026, valued at around $400,000. However, the Knights reportedly have not taken up the option and are of the belief Gagai is no longer worthy of that sort of money, which is strange because it is about half of what elite centres can earn in the NRL. At 34, Gagai is past his best, but only played Origin last year and was strong in the Knights' 26-22 comeback win over Manly on Thursday night. Gagai ran for 169 metres to go with 12 tackle busts and two linebreak assists to help inspire his side to a crucial victory. Given the Knights' marquee signing Bradman Best is currently out injured and has a history of injuries, it is a confusing decision from Newcastle. Gagai has scored 86 tries and 30 goals in 303 NRL games for the Knights, Broncos and Rabbitohs since his debut in 2011. He has also scored 12 tries in 23 Origins for the Maroons and three tries in five games for the Kangaroos. Gagai's management are now actively shopping him around to rival clubs in need of a veteran outside back. Sources close to the situation have also revealed that even if Gagai is offered a larger deal than what the club is offering, the Knights still may not feel inclined to match it. It is unknown whether any other clubs are interested in his signature at this stage. However, with Dominic Young set to return to the club and James Schiller vying for a permanent centre role, it is unlikely Gagai will stay with the club unless he takes a pay cut.
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Taylan May makes bombshell claim on his playing future as troubled footy star breaks silence on dark period - and why he is a 'whole different person' after checking into a mental health clinic
Troubled footy star Taylan May has opened up on some of the dark times he has experienced over the past year, admitting that he had contemplated taking his own life, but is now plotting a return to play in the NRL - and insists he is ready to play as soon as next week. The 23-year-old had put his footy career on hold in order to focus on his mental wellbeing and admitted that checking himself into a mental health facility 'was the best thing that could have happened to me.' Despite not having played in the NRL since May of last year after he was stood down by Penrith, the footy now insists he is ready to return to play once again. 'Yeah 100 per cent - I will play next week,' he said to Channel 9, before being asked whether he felt he posed a risk to NRL clubs. 'Not the way I am now and truly trying to be,' he responded. 'That's just me being honest, I wouldn't lie... there's no risk, no way.' The former Samoa international was released by the four-time reigning premiers last year after being charged with domestic violence offences. May pleaded not guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of stalking or intimidation intending to cause fear, as well as two counts of contravening an apprehended violence order (AVO). The charges related to an incident involving his wife on April 8. They were later dropped and May was subsequently cleared to return to rugby league by ARLC chairman Peter V'landys. His agent, Ahmad Merhi, revealed in April that the footy star, who is the younger brother of Terrell May and Tyrone May, had checked himself into a private facility in order to address mental health issues. 'It was probably the best thing that could have happened for me, it opened my eyes up to a lot of things,' May said speaking on his treatment. 'A day in a psych ward felt like a week. Yeah man, it was good,' he said. 'I feel like I came out of it totally different. My mindset has changed, my beliefs have changed, and I'm a whole different person now.' May was then asked whether he did not like the person he was before going into the psychological ward. He replied: 'My name was unknown in the psych ward and I was happy to come out and be unknown. 'I just didn't like the person that Taylan was.' 'I got suicidal and I think that's fair to say. It's not a sob story, it's how I felt. 'I think honestly just my family and having the support of my wife and kids telling me it's gonna be alright, I think that's what kept me going. I couldn't picture leaving them in this world. I brought them into this world - me and my wife - why would I leave them? 'They need me and I haven't done anything for them yet and I haven't set them up.' While May has been away from the footy pitch, he has delved into different creative outlets, focusing on producing music. It is understood he has also started taking Bible classes. 'Anyone wanna join my Bible studies I'll be running it every Thursday 6pm dm for location,' he published on his social media in recent months. 'Doesn't matter what religion any religion, come.' It is unclear what clubs would make a play for the centre, with the Wests Tigers having previously shown an interest in snapping him up The former Penrith star had sparked some speculation that he could make a dramatic switch from playing footy to pursue a career in the music industry in recent months, rebranding himself as 'Mayfair' and has published clips of his tracks online. Yet, the footy star appears to be keen to get back onto the playing field, notably to play with his brother Terrell, who currently plays prop for the Wests Tigers. 'I'll just put it out there, I honestly wanna play with my brother,' he said. 'He's spoke about that in the media and it will be a dream come true, not just for us but for my family. Playing with him would light a bigger fire inside me. 'You've got to come to reality, it's not always gonna fall your way. If it doesn't, I'd definitely go to another team, whoever wants me.' May, who made his debut with the Panthers in 2021, would go on to make 30 NRL appearances for Ivan Cleary's side and also won five caps for Samoa. Rumours have bubbled in recent months that the Tigers were ready to explore a deal to sign the free agent. The young footy star said he also anticipated some scrutiny from those within the NRL community but it appears he is blocking out criticism. 'I don't blame them,' he said, when asked how he will cope with possible backlash from some in the community. 'They get to have their opinion and everyone has their opinion about somebody. 'You could be the nicest guy, but someone is still gonna hate you and that's the truth.' Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or
