Penrith make a very telling statement as star Taylan May’s career suffers a HUGE setback after he allegedly punched a woman in the face
- Penrith star accused of domestic violence
- Pleaded not guilty to three charges
- Is involved in a federal lawsuit with his club
Suspended Penrith winger Taylan May has left the Panthers to pursue “other opportunities” despite his NRL career being on the line and he faces a court hearing in March 2025.
On Friday morning the club confirmed that May, who has been sidelined under the NRL’s ‘no fault stand-down’ policy, would ‘leave’ the club with immediate effect.
The club has reportedly reached a confidential settlement following a lawsuit in federal court after the Panthers failed to fire him.
“Taylan May has left the Panthers with immediate effect and is pursuing other opportunities,” the club said in a statement.
‘With respect to all parties, the club will not be commenting further on the matter.’
The statement failed to thank May for his services to the team, despite making 30 appearances for the team in three seasons and scoring 17 goals. It is a telling sign of the depth of the gulf between player and club.
May, 22, is charged with domestic violence. He has pleaded not guilty to stalking and three counts of domestic violence after an alleged fight at Werrington’s home in April.
The case is adjourned until March 2025.
May (pictured left playing against Manly) had signed a two-year, $1.2 million contract extension with the Panthers in March, but that money is now off the table following his split with the club
The 22-year-old (pictured outside a Sydney court in May) has pleaded not guilty to three charges related to domestic violence
The Panthers have also issued him a series of citations for code violations, including using profanity on social media, posting a video of May as a passenger in a car driving 60 mph through a school zone and allegations that he punched a woman in the face and leg.
The representative centre signed a lucrative two-year extension earlier this season but is now a free agent. However, he will not be able to play for a new club even if he signs, as the no-fault stand-down rules remain in place.
May would have to wait until his case is concluded, which may not be until after the start of the next NRL season.
Last month, it was announced that May had won a victory in federal court against the Panthers, preventing the club from holding a second hearing on his possible immediate dismissal.
The Panthers had already issued him a warning regarding previous, unrelated incidents.
May (pictured outside court in May) is embroiled in a legal battle with the Panthers in federal court over the club’s attempts to fire him
Penrith officials reportedly wanted to give May another show as he was likely to be banned from the NRL competition following a hearing.
But through his lawyers, the Samoan international managed to block the hearing after successfully filing an injunction in federal court on June 21.
It was suggested that sacking May would infringe on his rights as a professional rugby league player.
May pleaded not guilty to three counts of domestic violence after the 22-year-old signed a two-year, $1.2 million contract extension with the Panthers in March.
He will appear in Penrith District Court on March 10 next year to face the three charges.