NRL green-lights Taylan May’s return after police withdraw domestic violence charges against former Panthers star

Several clubs are circling former Penrith Panthers star Taylan May after domestic violence charges laid against him were withdrawn by police.

Taylan May’s hopes of a return to the NRL are in the hands of the governing body. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Taylan May has been cleared to make an NRL return after ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys declared the no-fault stand-down rule no longer applied to the former Penrith star.

May missed the bulk of last season under the game’s no-fault stand-down policy after being charged with domestic violence.

However, his career was seemingly revived on Monday when police withdrew charges against the 23-year-old.

“He was stood down pending charges of domestic violence,” V’landys said.

“Those charges have now been dropped. To be fair to him, he can now play. If there are no police charges, there is no reason to stop him playing.”

May parted ways with the Panthers after being charged by police early last year, having signed a two-year extension worth $1.2 million in March last year.

Taylan May attempts a tackle on Stephen Crichton last year. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

His career was brought to a shuddering halt when he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and stalk/intimidate with intent to cause fear of physical harm.

May entered a not guilty plea and insisted he was innocent. Interestingly, May was a spectator at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday night to watch his brother Terrell play for the Wests Tigers against Newcastle.

The NRL will reserve judgement on May’s return to the premiership pending a contract offer from a current club.

It is understood several clubs were watching Monday’s events with a view to potentially making a move for May should he be cleared.

Before he was stood down from the NRL, May was considered one of the most promising outside backs in the game.

As well as playing for Penrith, he had represented Samoa alongside his brothers Terrell and Tyrone.