The Wests Tigers are reportedly leading the charge to sign Taylan May after domestic violence charges made against him were withdrawn by police on Monday.
The move has paved the way for the 23-year-old to return to the NRL, after he had missed the majority of the 2024 season due to the charges.
But according to The Daily Telegraph, the Wests Tigers are now ‘ready to explore’ a potential deal to sign the Samoa international, who could join up with his brother, Terrell, at the footy club.
His agent, Ahmad Merhi, has now issued a statement on behalf of May, speaking of his relief that the charges against him had been withdrawn and that he was eager to get back to playing footy.
‘Taylan May is relieved that all criminal charges against him have been formally withdrawn and dismissed today, bringing an end to a challenging period in his life,’ Merhi said, per The Daily Telegraph.
‘Throughout this time, May has fully cooperated with the legal process and remained committed to personal growth and proving his innocence.
Former Penrith Panther’s premiership winner Taylan May exits Penrith Local Court on Monday after domestic violence charges were withdrawn by police
With the charges withdrawn, May could now return to the NRL with the Wests Tigers reportedly interested in signing him
‘He has used this period to educate himself, engage in peer support work, and give back to the junior rugby league club as well as to the Samoan community.
‘Looking ahead, he plans to further his education, including engaging in mental health support and peer support work, with the goal of continuing this positive path as part of his career.’
The 23-year-old ex-NRL star had faced serious accusations stemming from an incident in April last year at a home in Werrington, western Sydney.
Police alleged May punched his wife, Jess May, in the right eye, struck her forehead, and verbally threatened her.
‘I hate you that much I wouldn’t care if I killed you,’ the court heard May allegedly said to his wife.
‘I’ll come after your family because they can’t keep their mouths shut. You deserve everything that’s coming to you.’
May had pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of stalking or intimidation intending to cause fear, and two counts of contravening an apprehended violence order (AVO).
The case reached a critical turning point in Penrith Local Court on Monday when Magistrate Stephen Corry declined a request from police prosecutors to adjourn the hearing.
May did not make a statement to the media after the court appearance on Monday in Penrith
The prosecution revealed Mrs May and her sister, both key witnesses, were not present to testify.
The court heard that repeated efforts to contact Mrs May had failed, and her sister had submitted a medical certificate citing inability to attend.
Magistrate Corry inferred a ‘deliberate decision’ by the women to avoid court, noting their absence was unexplained and unlikely to change.
May’s barrister, Phillip Boulten SC, argued strongly for the charges to be dismissed, saying, ‘there is a real contest about if she was assaulted at all.’
Boulten further stressed that Mrs May previously applied to vary the AVO conditions to allow contact with her husband, suggesting she wished to withdraw the charges altogether.
He highlighted the strain on May, who had reportedly been stopped by police six times in the 24 hours before the court appearance.
‘He’s been under all this pressure, all this time, waiting for these matters to be determined,’ Boulten told the court.
‘Enough is enough in my submission. Can we just allow these people to move on?’
ARLC chair Peter V’landys confirmed that Taylan May is free to play in the NRL again
Magistrate Corry subsequently refused the prosecution’s request for an adjournment, prompting police to withdraw the charges completely.
Despite this outcome, the court confirmed the AVO against May would remain in place for another six months.
Following the dismissal, a visibly relieved May left Penrith courthouse smiling, accompanied by lawyers and supporters. However, he declined to provide any public comment.
This legal ordeal significantly disrupted May’s rugby league career.
He was indefinitely stood down by the NRL under its no-fault stand-down policy on May 23, 2024, and later parted ways with the Panthers by mutual agreement in July, 2024.
But ARLC chair Peter V’landys confirmed on Monday that the 23-year-old was cleared to return to the game immediately.
‘Now that there is no pending charge, he’s free to play,’ V’landys said.
‘The no-fault stand-down policy is always on police charge. The police charges have been dropped. He was stood down until the matter is concluded. It is now concluded. He’s free to play.
May played 30 games for the Panthers including the 2022 NRL Grand Final before he was stood down by the league
‘The stand-down rule was a line-in-the-sand moment from the game that under no circumstances will we ever tolerate violence against women or children.
‘If a player was charged by the police, then we stand the player down. As the charges have been withdrawn, and unless some other evidence comes forward, he’s free to play.’
May’s history with the Panthers was turbulent.
Prior to the domestic violence allegations, he was reprimanded for posting footage of himself in a speeding car, promoting a rental business, Ruthless Rentals.
The incident attracted scrutiny from the NRL Integrity Unit and Penrith management, leading May to temporarily delete his social media accounts.
‘I was in the car, but I wasn’t driving – I can’t say who was driving,’ May said in response to the speeding incident.
He later expressed regret over the attention the incident attracted due to his profile.
‘His time away from the game has been one of reflection and community engagement,’ Merhi said on Monday.
‘He thanks the NRL for its support and for providing him with the opportunity to grow during this period. Their guidance will allow him to return to the game as the most authentic and driven version of himself.
‘May remains dedicated to using his platform to make a positive impact and is looking ahead to the future with a renewed sense of purpose.’
Now cleared of criminal charges, May’s path is open to a potential return to professional rugby league, though his future remains uncertain.
May played 30 games with the Panthers and contributed to their 2022 grand final victory.
