NRL set to stand down Penrith Panthers player Taylan May indefinitely over domestic violence charge

The NRL is set to come down hard on Penrith Panthers player Taylan May after his arrest on assault charges against his wife.

Jarome Luai (R) said Taylan May’s arrest was not to blame for Penrith’s Magic Round loss. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The NRL is expected to stand down Taylan May indefinitely under the game’s no-fault stand down policy this week after the Penrith star was arrested on assault charges against his wife on Saturday.

News of May’s arrest rocked the reigning premiers just 24 hours before their Magic Round clash against the New Zealand Warriors.

But Penrith coach Ivan Cleary insisted May’s arrest had not taken its toll on the Panthers playing group after the side’s shock loss to the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium.

“No, I don’t think so,” Cleary said when asked if the latest May saga had an impact on the outcome.

“We just got on with life, we are here to play footy and that’s what we did.

“We just didn’t play well enough today.”

Taylan May was arrested on domestic assault charges. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The Panthers opted to stand down May, who’s immediate playing future is now in jeopardy, for the Magic Round clash even though the NRL is yet to officially issue the 22-year old with a breach notice.

Speaking after Penrith’s 20-22 loss at Suncorp Stadium, Jarome Laui doubled down on the coach’s comments.

“Nah, definitely not,” Luai said.

“We don’t use anything as an excuse. We turn every page in our preparation and that’s what it will come down to.”

Luai also insisted the incident would not derail the Panthers from their goal of four-straight premierships.

“Nah, no,” Luai said when asked if the May saga would be a distraction moving forward.

May did not travel with the side to Brisbane.

May is accused of punching his wife Jessika May, in the face and leg during an argument at a home in Werrington in Sydney’s west on April 8.

He was charged with domestic violence-related assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and two counts of stalking or intimidating with intent to cause fear or physical harm.

While the charges do not automatically trigger the NRL’s no-fault stand down policy for a crime which carries a maximum sentence of 11 years, the governing body has discretionary powers to stand down May until the matter is resolved in court.

May is due to appear in court on May 28.

Originally published as NRL set to stand down Penrith Panthers player Taylan May indefinitely over domestic violence charge