Former Penrith Panthers winger Taylan May is set to reignite his NRL career with the Wests Tigers, rejecting an offer from South Sydney following the withdrawal of domestic violence charges earlier this year.
May had been sidelined since May 2024 under the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy, but his legal situation was resolved in March, clearing the way for a return to the field.
NEXT: Nathan Cleary’s Future in Flux: Marriage Hints and Perth Move Stir Up Penrith Exit Talk
NEXT: Penrith Panthers Respond to Mounting Pressure Over Nathan Cleary Rugby Union Rumours
The Tigers, grappling with injuries and a lack of depth in their outside backs, have offered the 22-year-old a train-and-trial deal for the remainder of the season. He underwent a medical on Monday and is expected to link up with the team soon.
May’s younger brother, Terrell, has been a standout for Wests this year after a controversial move from the Roosters, adding to the appeal of the Tigers for Taylan.
May, who made his NRL debut in 2021 and has represented Samoa five times, re-signed with the Panthers last year but saw his contract come under review during his stand-down. Penrith issued a show-cause notice in May, relating to off-field matters separate from the dismissed legal case.
Meanwhile, the Panthers, seeking a historic fifth consecutive premiership, found inspiration in a gutsy defensive display from Scott Sorensen during their 18-14 win over the Tigers last Sunday.
Sorensen’s match-saving tackle on Jahream Bula, followed by a crucial effort from Lindsay Smith, was hailed as a season-defining moment by teammates.
Second-rower Liam Martin compared Sorensen’s effort to Viliame Kikau’s iconic defensive stop in 2021, crediting such moments with reinforcing the team’s culture and spirit.
“It gives you so much confidence,” said Martin. “They’re the kind of plays we build energy from.”
Penrith’s victory lifted them to 13th on the ladder, just one point outside the top eight. With a challenging schedule ahead, including trips to Auckland and games against the Bulldogs, Storm, and Raiders, coach Ivan Cleary’s side hopes Sunday’s grit marks the turning point in a troubled campaign.
Nathan Cleary echoed the sentiment, admitting the Panthers lacked desperation earlier in the season.
“That’s probably been the difference between winning and losing,” he said. “Now it’s becoming part of our DNA again.”
Sorensen, ever modest, downplayed the praise. “It’s just doing your job,” he said. “Tonight was my time to do mine.”
With May’s arrival injecting fresh options into a struggling Wests side and the Panthers rediscovering their trademark resilience, both clubs face the second half of the season with renewed hope.
