- Former Panthers star puts career on hold to deal with mental health
- Taylan May is currently undergoing treatment in private facility
Troubled former Penrith Panthers star Taylan May has put his footy career on hold indefinitely so he can focus on his mental health, just weeks after being cleared to return to the NRL.
The 23-year-old had domestic violence charges dropped earlier in the year after his wife did not show up to court after alleging he punched her in the eye, struck her forehead and verbally threatened her.
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 talented youngster was then cleared by ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys to return to the sport, with the Tigers being rumoured to be interested in signing him.
May’s manager Ahmad Merhi has now confirmed that the footy star is undergoing treatment in a private facility to address mental health issues.
‘He’s had some struggles he needs to deal with and he’s getting help,’ Merhi told News Corp.
Former Panthers star Taylan May puts career on hold to deal with his mental health
May’s manager has confirmed that the footy star is undergoing treatment in a private facility
‘Taylan is taking some time out away from the game to get himself right.
‘We sat down and had a discussion about taking the right steps moving forward.’
Since Mat was stood down in 2024 he has explored creative outlets, including music and been open about his faith – recently starting Bible classes.
‘Anyone wanna join my Bible studies I’ll be running it every Thursday 6pm dm for location,’ he posted.
‘Doesn’t matter what religion any religion come.’
Last month, May sparked intrigue among fans by hinting at a surprising career pivot away from rugby league and towards music.
The footballer rebranded himself as ‘Mayfair’ and has been releasing snippets of his tracks via social media.
May’s history with the Panthers was turbulent.
May played 30 games for the Panthers including the 2022 NRL Grand Final before he was stood down by the league
Prior to the domestic violence allegations, he was found guilty of assaulting a teenage fan who took a video of him at a post-grand final party in 2021.
Last year he was reprimanded for posting footage of himself in a speeding car.
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.
May played 30 games with the Panthers and contributed to their 2022 grand final victory, and also represented Samoa in 2022.
