NRL 2024: Penrith Panthers to seek salary cap dispensation for Taylan May after star centre is stood down

The Panthers are expected to seek salary cap dispensation after star centre Taylan May was stood down, with the club unable to use its free funds to bring in new recruit Isaiah Papali’i ahead of schedule.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 02: Taylan May of the Panthers makes a break to score a try during the round nine NRL match between South Sydney Rabbitohs and Penrith Panthers at Accor Stadium on May 02, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Penrith are expected to seek salary cap dispensation for Taylan May as they prepare for their star centre to miss the remainder of the season under the game’s no-fault stand down rule.

It is understood the Panthers have already broached the subject with the NRL and are expected to lodge a formal application in coming days as they consider signing a replacement for May, who pleaded not guilty to domestic violence-related charges in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday.

Police allege that May punched a woman known to him in the face and leg during an argument in Sydney’s outer west in April.

Taylan May has been stood down by the NRL. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Taylan May leaving Penrith Local Court. Picture: NewsWire / Nathan Schmidt

May will continue to be sidelined under the no-fault stand down rule until the case has been heard – it is scheduled for a hearing in March next year.

The Panthers have used Paul Alamoti in the centres in May’s absence in recent weeks but will have a significant amount of money to spend if they are successful with their application for cap dispensation.

Under the rules governing cap dispensation for players stood down by the NRL, the money must be spent on a like-for-like replacement.

It means the Panthers won’t be able to use the money to bring in Wests Tigers forward Isaiah Papali’i ahead of schedule – the New Zealand international has already agreed to join Penrith next season.

The Panthers have some depth in the outside backs – the McLean brothers Jesse and Casey were named in their 22-man squad this week and the club has high hopes for the pair, who were both schoolboy stars.

However, it is understood they have already been contacted about their interest in signing a number of outside backs in the event that they are granted dispensation by the NRL.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Penrith Panthers to seek salary cap dispensation for Taylan May after star centre is stood down