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 after he chose the club where he wants to play next.

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.

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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The charges were withdrawn and May is now free to restart his NRL career.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.

Taylan May playing for the Panthers in 2024.

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.

The Knights have not taken up an option on Dane Gagai’s services for 2026.

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.

Originally published as Tigers on cusp of resurrecting Taylan May’s NRL career after Souths snub