Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

BlackWhiteGold said:
Taylan May on the verge of joining Wests Tigers
By Michael Chammas
June 9, 2025 — 12.25pm

Taylan May is on the verge of resurrecting his NRL career at the Wests Tigers on a deal that could see him return to play in the coming weeks.

The former Penrith Panthers winger and centre, who has been searching for a new home since departing the reigning premiers last year, has opted for a train-and-trial opportunity with the Tigers — where his older brother Terrell is currently contracted.

May underwent a medical examination at the club on Monday and is expected to begin training with Benji Marshall’s side immediately if the club rubber stamps the deal. The club previously decided against pursuing May’s services but had a recent change of heart.

May, who was previously stood down by the NRL under the code’s no-fault stand-down policy, was in court in March after pleading not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of stalking or intimidation intending to cause fear of harm, and two counts of contravening an AVO.

Charges were withdrawn three months ago, opening the door for his return to the NRL. He has since spent time in a mental health facility as he tries to rebuild his life.

May turned down a similar train-and-trial offer from the Rabbitohs despite visiting the club’s Heffron Park facility a fortnight ago. South Sydney has been made aware of his decision.

While South Sydney had shown interest in adding depth to their outside backs, May ultimately chose to pursue an opportunity that offered both a family connection and a clearer pathway to a potential top-30 contract.

Sources familiar with the situation talking on the condition of anonymity as they were not permitted to discuss the deal said May was particularly drawn to the chance of linking up with Terrell at the Tigers, who have lost their past four games and are in desperate need of strike power out wide.

The 22-year-old also knocked back an offer from former Rabbitohs enforcer Sam Burgess to join Warrington in the English Super League despite the guarantee of a fulltime contract.

The Wolves had expressed strong interest in luring May abroad mid-season, but the Samoa international is believed to be determined to prove his worth in the NRL and stay close to friends and family.

If he impresses during his trial period, May could be available for selection as early as round 16 against Canberra with the Tigers enjoying this week off with the bye
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I heard on @jrtiger on his pod saying there is a way around totally filling the top 30 because you can count players who are no longer at the club but were there at the start of the season.

If so I imagine May gets 4 or so weeks on a train and trial and then into the top 30 (assuming form and behaviour permits)
 
Canadian Club said:
Luke reminds me a lot of Val Holmes, particularly with the way he moves/runs. Very quick off the mark and super agile.

Val came through the grades as a fullback before playing wing in first grade, fullback and eventually centre.

Luke played some centre in NSW cup early last season and was very good there.
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I see similarities in their movements too. Hopefully Luke keeps adding strength because he looks like a real player of the future.
 
Was thinking is there an option to play Latu as a 13 for the next couple of years (probably sharing the role with a starting middle type player and coming on after 25-30mins)? Pair this with targeting a controlling 7 with a solid kicking game. Wouldn’t have to be an elite 7, more a serviceable one like a Fogerty or a Sexton.

I love Latu’s attacking potential but worried with he and Luai our field kicking and ability to steer the team around the field is lacking. A serviceable 7 probably allows them to shine if they carry the kicking in play and game management. Gives Luai and/or Latu some time to develop these no. 7 skills.

Obviously we need our props and wingers to ensure our meterage is good to allow a smaller 13. Anyway, just an idea.
 
88 said:
Was thinking is there an option to play Latu as a 13 for the next couple of years (probably sharing the role with a starting middle type player and coming on after 25-30mins)? Pair this with targeting a controlling 7 with a solid kicking game. Wouldn’t have to be an elite 7, more a serviceable one like a Fogerty or a Sexton.

I love Latu’s attacking potential but worried with he and Luai our field kicking and ability to steer the team around the field is lacking. A serviceable 7 probably allows them to shine if they carry the kicking in play and game management. Gives Luai and/or Latu some time to develop these no. 7 skills.

Obviously we need our props and wingers to ensure our meterage is good to allow a smaller 13. Anyway, just an idea.
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I share your same concern, but we have to give a Luai/ Latu Fainu halves combination the rest of this season tn see if it works or show signs of working.
 
88 said:
Was thinking is there an option to play Latu as a 13 for the next couple of years (probably sharing the role with a starting middle type player and coming on after 25-30mins)? Pair this with targeting a controlling 7 with a solid kicking game. Wouldn’t have to be an elite 7, more a serviceable one like a Fogerty or a Sexton.

I love Latu’s attacking potential but worried with he and Luai our field kicking and ability to steer the team around the field is lacking. A serviceable 7 probably allows them to shine if they carry the kicking in play and game management. Gives Luai and/or Latu some time to develop these no. 7 skills.

Obviously we need our props and wingers to ensure our meterage is good to allow a smaller 13. Anyway, just an idea.
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I can see Doueihi at 13, Latu at 6 and Mason at 14. That’s if D stays.
 
Shanotiger said:
I hope the Talyan are correct will help push second half season.
This would allow Benji to get AD to move into 13. I personally think would work perfectly. Good ball player also keeps him in the middle and can make use of his big boot that we are missing ATM. Then Heath can play 14 between him and TDS to keep learning and getting time in cup. Teal back to middle of the bench. Then you can carry Hunt on the bench as don’t need big minutes out of him. I would have him 10 before half and 5-10 mid second half when TM get a quick break.
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13 - omfg do you even football 👎🏼
 
So now we can assume we have Taylan pending official announcement, at minimum i think we need to add prior to next season a prop of a decent level and ideally i'd like a 13 in the mould of Curran, Mann ect a more mobile tough ball playing type (maybe Tyronne?).
If im being really greedy another 2nd rower, i think we can use Sam more effectively in the middle or back up edge.
 
tigerballs said:
Kristian Mapapalangi must be getting close.
We had that game yesterday, against the 4 time premiers with 4 SOO players on deck. They had no excuses.
We can be a finals team this year with a bit of luck and a few decisions going our way. AD, I like him but sometimes, he's just not there. I don't think LL is the answer just yet. Maps in, Pole back, we're getting close....
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Could be Taylan shortly mate.
 
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