Taylan May closes in on NRL return after undergoing medical with Wests Tigers

Taylan May is on the verge of making his rugby league return, with the former Penrith centre set to sign a train-and-trial deal for the remainder of the NRL season after undergoing a medical with a new club.

Former Penrith centre Taylan May is edging towards a return to the NRL after undergoing a medical at the Wests Tigers on Monday.

May, who also had interest from South Sydney, is expected to sign a train-and-trial deal for the remainder of the season and play alongside his brother Terrell.

The Samoan international has been without a club since parting ways with Penrith last year after being charged over domestic violence allegations.

The charges were withdrawn three months ago and May has since spent time in a mental health facility undergoing treatment.

The Tigers have had a longstanding interest in the 22-year-old. Chief executive Shane Richardson met May when the charges were first withdrawn, prior to the outside back checking himself in for treatment.

The talks resumed recently after he checked out of the mental health facility. Souths coach Wayne Bennett also showed an interest in May and he was given a tour of the club’s Heffron Park headquarters.

However, the Tigers look to have won the battle to secure his signature pending the finalisation of a contract and board approval.

It is understood the NRL has been kept abreast of talks between May and his prospective clubs, and will not stand in the way of his return to the game.

Taylan’s decision to join the Tigers creates the prospect that all three of the May brothers could turn out for the Tigers at some point down the track.

It is understood that brother Tyrone, currently in Super League, has expressed an interest in returning to the NRL as early as next season.

Taylan May is closing in on an NRL return.

He’s set to join his brother Terrell May at the Tigers. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Taylan, meanwhile, hasn’t played since splitting with the Panthers, where he played 30 games and scored 17 tries over three seasons.

He was a key member of the sides that won the 2022 premiership but missed the grand final with injury. He then injured his knee in the 2023 World Club Challenge and missed the entire season, including their grand final win.

He then played in their World Club Challenge win in 2024 error his career went off the rails, leading to a parting of the ways with the Panthers and his career descending into limbo.

He is now slowly making his way towards a return to the NRL after holding talks with the Tigers and Rabbitohs with a view to reviving his career.

It is understood both clubs were interested in signing him, albeit with significant caveats around his return.

They included that it would only be for the remainder of this season and on a train-and-trial contract, giving him the chance to prove he is ready for the pressure of top grade rugby league once again.