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4 months ago
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Suspended Penrith winger Taylan May has parted ways with the Panthers to seek 'other opportunities' despite his NRL career hanging in the balance as he awaits a court hearing in March 2025.
On Friday morning the club confirmed May, who has been sidelined under the NRL's no-fault stand-down policy, was 'departing' the club immediately.
It's understood the club negotiated a confidential settlement after a Federal Court battle following a failed bid by the Panthers to sack him.
'Taylan May is departing the Panthers effective immediately and is seeking other opportunities,' the club said in a statement.
'With respect to all parties, the club will make no further comment on the matter.'
In a telling sign of how deep the rift between player and club goes, the statement did not thank May for his services to the team despite the fact he played 30 games for them over three seasons, scoring 17 tries.
May, 22, is facing charges for domestic violence offences. He has pleaded not guilty to stalking and three counts of domestic violence following an alleged argument in Werrington home in April.
The matter is adjourned until March 2025.
May (pictured left playing against Manly) had signed a $1.2million two-year extension with the Panthers in March - but that money is now off the table after his split with the club
The 22-year-old (pictured outside a Sydney court in May) has pleaded not guilty to three domestic violence-related charges
He has also been issued with a series of breach notices by the Panthers for incidents including swearing on social media, a video post showing May as the passenger in a car driving 96km/h in a school zone and allegations 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 won't be able to play for a new club even if he signs given the no-fault stand-down rules remain in place.
May would have to wait until his case is finished, which could be after the start of the next NRL season.
Last month it emerged that May secured a win in the Federal Court over the Panthers which prevented the club staging a second hearing to discuss his potential immediate sacking.
He had already been issued a show cause notice by the Panthers in relation to prior unrelated incidents.
May (pictured outside court in May) has been engaged in a legal battle with the Panthers in the Federal Court over the club's efforts to sack him
Penrith powerbrokers reportedly wanted to hand May another show cause hearing where it was likely he would be moved on from the reigning NRL premiers.
But via his lawyers, the Samoan international stopped that hearing from proceeding after successfully arguing for an injunction in the Federal Court on June 21.
It was suggested sacking May would breach his rights as a professional rugby league player.
May's not guilty plea to three domestic violence-related charges came after the 22-year-old signed a two-year extension worth $1.2million with the Panthers in March.
He will next appear in Penrith Local Court on March 10 next year in relation to the three charges.
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