Taylan May’s return from injury at the World Club Challenge following carnivore diet
Forgotten flyer Taylan May has revealed how a number of Panthers stars have taken up the carnivore diet in a bid to distinguish themselves from their NRL competition.
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It’s the primal diet that’s keeping Penrith hungry for more premierships.
Forgotten flyer Taylan May has revealed how a number of Panthers stars have taken up the carnivore diet in a bid to distinguish themselves from their NRL competition.
And it could end in a rugby league dynasty seen only once since 1908.
With all eyes on the league’s push into Las Vegas, the reigning premiers on Friday depart for a more familiar destination in England for their World Club Challenge against Wigan.
And on the plane will be May, who has yet to play since suffering an ACL injury in a corresponding loss to St Helens at the foot of the mountains almost a year to the day.
“It’s crazy how it’s ended up, my first game against an England team,” May said.
“I don’t think I’ve got any demons to exorcise. I’m 100 per cent ready to go.”
May resurfaces a different player to the rookie who stormed onto the scene in 2022.
Not only will the 22-year-old switch from wing to the centres, but he claims his body has been transformed by an altered carnivore diet heralded by influencer Paul Saladino.
The unorthodox eating plan, which has also been taken up by centre partner Izack Tago and talented youngster Jesse McLean, consists of only meat and fruit.
“We talk about it with the club, but them seeing our results ... it’s probably the fittest I’ve been. It’s the fittest Tago and Jesse has been as well,” May said.
“You know your own body. In saying that, it’s what works for me and us. It’s not like we’re going against the club. It’s just different. People aren’t used to it, but it works for us.”
Tago is no stranger to non-traditional forms of health and wellbeing.
In the lead-up to last year’s dramatic grand final triumph, it was revealed the 21-year-old doesn’t use modern medicine, opting to avoid surgery for a pectoral injury.
“I wouldn’t say it’s weird, it’s just different,” May said of the diet.
“We all follow this guy that we watched on YouTube and done our own research about it. It’s just meat and fruits, mainly organic stuff, knowing where our food comes from.
“We get it from the farm.
“I do crave sometimes some things. We do have one day we’ll eat something normal, one day of the week. It’s hard, but in saying that, you reap the rewards from it. You feel healthier.”
May is understood to have edged out new signing Paul Alamoti for the centre spot vacated by grand final hero Stephen Crichton.
His return from injury comes amid negotiations on a contract extension with the club, despite suggestions May could leave to play alongside brothers Terrell and Tyrone.
Terrell is also off-contract at the Sydney Roosters, while Tyrone, who was part of Penrith’s 2021 title team, is currently with Hull KR in the Super League.
“I think it can happen, eventually. But right now my focus is just worrying on this year. I’m not too focused about that at the moment,” Taylan said.
“It is a goal. I think it’d be everyone’s goal to try and play with their brothers.
“I’ll focus on this year and see how I go from there.”
Originally published as Taylan May’s return from injury at the World Club Challenge following carnivore diet
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