Roosters star reveals how staying true to his ‘westie’ roots helped him crack the big time in footy’s swankiest team: ‘I didn’t come in here being fake’
- Terrell May grew up in Sydney’s west and now plays for Roosters
- Drives from St Marys to Moore Park to chase his dreams
- His colorful haircut and tattoos have made him a fan favorite
Roosters prop Terrell May is a proud Sydney ‘westie’ – and he believes staying true to himself is a big reason he’s been able to talk his way into Trent Robinson’s NRL team.
The 24-year-old – whose older Tyrone and younger brother Taylan played for Penrith in the first year – is not difficult to spot during Moore Park training.
His colorful hairstyle, unique fashion sense and tattoos have made him a popular figure with his teammates and fans alike – and May has no plans to change anytime soon.
“I didn’t come in fake or try to be someone else, I still brought the Westie that’s in me and I still dress the same and I still walk around the same,” he said News Corp.
“I think Robbo really liked that I was a little different from some of the guys here.”
Roosters propaganda Terrell May is a proud Sydney ‘westie’ – and he’s determined to stay true to himself, which is why he’s been able to talk his way into Trent Robinson’s NRL team
May’s colorful hairstyle, unique fashion sense and tattoos have made him a popular figure with his teammates and Roosters fans
May credits his father Jay for his discipline.
While their friends were partying in their teens, May snr was training his boys relentlessly in Sydney’s west, and the Minchinbury Jets junior is grateful he didn’t go down the wrong path.
Video sessions and hill runs became the norm growing up as the trio left nothing to chance when it came to achieving their collective dream of playing in the NRL.
The prop was almost lost in the match at one point during the pandemic, but after watching Taylan excel on the wing for the Panthers in his debut NRL season, May didn’t want to think about what could have happened.
He signed for the North Sydney Bears and was given a chance in Robinson’s first division after some impressive performances at NSW Cup level last season.
Now he’s playing finals footy in a ‘pinch me’ moment, but the big star from Tregear won’t be resting on his laurels.
He hopes to one day play in the NRL with his two siblings, but for now his focus is on performing for the Tricolours, starting with Friday’s semi-final against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park.
Halfback Jahrome Hughes is unlikely to play for the home side as both sides have been decimated by injuries.
The Roosters have found form at the perfect time, winning their last six games on the trot.