NRL market watch: Terrell May denies any off-field issue behind Sydney Roosters’ push to move him on

From clearing salary cap space for Ben Hunt to an unknown off-field issue, speculation is rife about why the Roosters are looking to offload Terrell May. Now the star prop has had his say.

Terrell May is adamant the Sydney Roosters’ shock bid to move him on just six months after he signed a two-year extension was not the result of an off-field incident.

NRL rivals were caught off guard on Thursday when it emerged the Roosters had given the star prop permission to explore the open market about an immediate move away from the Bondi club.

May, 25, is coming off a career-best year for the Roosters, who have already lost club legend Jared Waerea-Hargreaves from their pack for the 2025 season.

Terrell May could be wearing a new jersey in 2025. Picture: NRL Images

The revelation has sent the rumour mill into overdrive, with speculation there was something more behind the Roosters’ decision than just a desire to reshape their roster.

Initial speculation linked the Roosters with a move to position themselves for a potential attempt to sign representative halfback Ben Hunt, following his messy departure from St George Illawarra.

When a number of clubs were notified of May’s availability, they immediately began investigating the background behind the Roosters’ call to allow one of their star performers to depart, given he only recently signed an extension until the end of 2026 worth up to $1 million.

Sydney Roosters forward Terrell May's Instagram story.

May, who is in camp with Samoa in the UK for their two-match international series against England, took to Instagram to deny there were other factors behind the shock development.

He screenshotted a post about the Roosters granting him permission to leave and captioned it, saying it had “Nothing to do with off field stuff”.

It is understood May should have little trouble finding a new home.

A move for Ben Hunt was mooted as the Roosters’ motivation./Getty Images)

A number of clubs are in the market for middle forwards, including the Wests Tigers, St George Illawarra and Canterbury.

May was close to joining the Bulldogs before he re-signed with the Roosters. Although, they are believed to be focusing their attention on Newcastle prop Leo Thompson.

Along with May, the Roosters have their salary cap invested in front-rowers Lindsay Collins and Spencer Leniu.

However, their roster has experienced significant turnover with fellow prop Waerea-Hargreaves (Hull KR), forward Sitili Tupouniua Canterbury, half Luke Keary (Catalans) and outside backs Joseph Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (both rugby union) all having left the club.