Wests Tigers to explore Taylan May signing after NRL green-lights return

The Wests Tigers are prepared to explore the prospect of signing Taylan May after the former Panthers star was given the green light to return to the NRL by Peter V’landys.

Taylan May has attracted interest from the Wests Tigers. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

The Wests Tigers are ready to explore the prospect of signing Taylan May - and linking him with his brother Terrell - after the former Penrith star was given the green light to return to the NRL by ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys.

May missed the bulk of last season after being charged with domestic violence offences but the charges were withdrawn on Monday morning by police, meaning the no-fault stand-down rule was no longer in effect.

May is now free to return to the NRL and his manager Ahmad Merhi confirmed he was hopeful that he could tie up a deal for the 23-year-old within days.

The Tigers are at the front of the queue given they have space in their salary cap and his brother Terrell on their roster.

As well as his brother, May played at Penrith with Tigers recruits Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva. Merhi said May was relieved that the charges had been withdrawn and was now intent on reviving his career.

“Taylan May is relieved that all criminal charges against him have been formally withdrawn and dismissed today, bringing an end to a challenging period in his life,” Merhi said.

“Throughout this time, May has fully cooperated with the legal process and remained committed to personal growth and proving his innocence.

“He has used this period to educate himself, engage in peer support work, and give back to the junior rugby league club as well as to the Samoan community.

“Looking ahead, he plans to further his education, including engaging in mental health support and peer support work, with the goal of continuing this positive path as part of his career.”

Merhi said May stood firm against domestic violence in any form.

The Tigers are set to explore the signing of Taylan May. Picture: NRL Photos

“His time away from the game has been one of reflection and community engagement,” Merhi said.

“He thanks the NRL for its support and for providing him with the opportunity to grow during this period. Their guidance will allow him to return to the game as the most authentic and driven version of himself.

“May remains dedicated to using his platform to make a positive impact and is looking ahead to the future with a renewed sense of purpose.”

May’s career was brought to a shuddering halt last year when he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and stalk/intimidate with intent to cause fear of physical harm.

He entered a not guilty plea and insisted he was innocent. Interestingly, May was a spectator at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday night to watch his brother Terrell play for the Tigers against Newcastle.

Taylan May attempts a tackle on Stephen Crichton last year. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys confirmed he was now free to return to the game.

“He was stood down pending charges of domestic violence,” V’landys said.

“Those charges have now been dropped. To be fair to him, he can now play. If there are no police charges, there is no reason to stop him playing.”

It is understood several clubs were watching Monday’s events with a view to potentially making a move for May should he be cleared. The Tigers appear the most logical destination given the family ties and the need for depth in the outside backs.

The need for help in the outside backs has increased with the imminent retirement of centre Justin Olam, who met with specialists on Friday over the knee issue that has ended his career.

Before he was stood down from the NRL, May was considered one of the most promising outside backs in the game. As well as playing for Penrith, he had represented Samoa alongside his brothers Terrell and Tyrone.

Originally published as Wests Tigers to explore Taylan May signing after NRL green-lights return