Telling picture emerges as NRL club closes in on Taylan May’s signature

Taylan May’s NRL return is edging closer after one club has contacted the troubled star, as the Panthers make a call on taking him back.

Taylan May is edging ever closer to making his NRL return, with the Wests Tigers understood to be a frontrunner for the 23-year-old’s signature.

And a picture circulating online appears to point to May’s keenness to reunite with his brother Terrell at the joint venture club.

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Taylan, a five-time Samoan international, had played 30 matches for the Panthers, including eight games last season, before being stood down by the NRL.

Last year May was charged over an alleged incident involving his wife last April and subsequently stood down by the NRL under the no-fault stand-down policy.

May pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of stalking and the charges were dropped on Monday, with ARL chair Peter V’landys stating May is now free to play.

Following the news, he was immediately linked to the Tigers, who recruited his brother Terrell ahead of the 2025 season.

It is also understood, under the belief he was set to be cleared on Monday, the Tigers reached out to May’s representatives regarding his fitness levels.

And after a picture of May at Campbelltown for the Tigers’ first match of the season against the Knights emerged, many believe he could be announced as the newest Tigers addition in the coming weeks.

Taylan May has been heavily linked with a move to the Wests Tigers. Image: X/Getty

May would definitely add some much-needed strike power to Benji Marshall’s side and they have salary cap space to make it happen.

The Tigers is also understood to be expecting Papua New Guinea international Justin Olam to be forced into a medical retirement due to a chronic knee injury, which would free up another spot in the top 30 and a big chunk of their salary cap.

However, it is expected that May would not command a high wage.

But regardless of his price tag, a return to the Panthers is seemingly off the cards, with Penrith sports reporter Peter Lang stating it is his understanding that the club has zero interest in welcoming him back.

“I’m not an official spokesperson for the club but my educated guess from what I know is a resounding ‘NO’,” Lang wrote on X when asked about the chances of Penrith re-signing May.

Taylan May is clear to return to the NRL after charges against him were dropped. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Before being stood down from the NRL, May was considered one of the most promising youngsters in the game and he would definitely improve the Tigers if he was to sign for the club.

And therefore it was no surprise many Tigers fans came out in support of the move to sign him.

“100% was one of the most consistent centres when he was playing,” one Tigers fan wrote on X in regards to the prospect of signing May.

“Absolutely, the bloke can play and his brother there might bring more out in him. I’m sure the tigers will put behavioural clauses just in case,” another wrote.

“Absolutely yes. All charges dropped, bring him in. Would be our best centre by a mile,” a third added.

Originally published as Telling picture emerges as NRL club closes in on Taylan May’s signature