Panthers rookie Taylan May announces his resignation when the coach responds angrily to rumours.
Prienrith, the young gun Taylan May’s decision to sign a new deal with the Panthers put an end to rumours. After the Broncos’ victory in Penrith on Thursday night, May gave reporter Zac Bailey of 9News the update. A week ago, the 22-year-old uploaded a photo to Instagram with the phrase “last ride,” which many took to suggest he was departing the three-time defending premiers. This sparked off a chain reaction of rugby league rumours.
The Panthers♿ announced on Friday that May has committed to a two-year contract extension. May, a graduate of the club’s junior pathways programme, has participated in five international Test matches for Samoa and 25 games in the Panthers’ first grade. His third sibling Tyrone and brother Terrell, a prop with the Roosters, have expressed openly that they would like to play together at an NRL team. This week, Dragons coach Shane Flanagan expressed his desire to bring Terrell and Taylan to the Red V to The Sydney Morning Herald.
However, given that the youngest of the three is now committed to Penrith, it doesn’t seem like it will happen until 2027 at the latest. In a statement released by the team, Panthers general manager of football Shane Elford said, “We are thrilled to see Taylan’s commitment to the club for a further two seasons.”
“It’s great to see another local junior commit his future to the club and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue to thrive in Panthers’ colours.” May is happy to stay with the Panthers despite rival teams trying to entice the outside back away from Penrith. “This club and the Panthers jersey mean a lot to me, and I’m proud to stay here for another couple of years – this place is home,” according to a statement from the team.
“Having grown up in the area, this place means a lot to me and my family, and I’m not only playing for myself but for the whole community.” Coach Ivan Cleary shot off inquiries on Wednesday about his youthful winger-turned-center.
Ivan Cleary, the coach of Penrith, wasn’t in the mood to make predictions about Taylan May, the rising talent for the Panthers. Following May’s cryptic post, Cleary was barraged with questions from the media and said, “I’m not discussing it.” Premiership five-eighth Jarome Luai is already expected to leave Penrith at the end of the current campaign.
Izack Tago, the gun centre who led the Panthers to a resounding victory over the Broncos on Thursday, has, however, lately been suspended by the team. May was fined in the same game for hitting rival fullback Reece Walsh in the face, breaking his face, although he was later exempted from a penalty.