Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Plato]

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Charges were withdrawn three months ago, opening the door for his return to the NRL.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

"Sources familiar with the situation talking on the condition of anonymity as they were not permitted to discuss the deal".

Every time Chammas does this he loses credibility. Here he is accepting the word of a dishonest person who was not permitted to speak out but did so anyway. Either name and shame the sources Chammas or shut up and refuse to publish, don't lower yourself by dealing with grubs.

 

[boonboon]

"Sources familiar with the situation talking on the condition of anonymity as they were not permitted to discuss the deal".

Every time Chammas does this he loses credibility. Here he is accepting the word of a dishonest person who was not permitted to speak out but did so anyway. Either name and shame the sources Chammas or shut up and refuse to publish, don't lower yourself by dealing with grubs.

Literally how journalism works - otherwise it's just PR and press releases. Actually gains credibility by getting people to talk. Also it's not always leaking - sometimes it would be the club wanting the message out but not ready to do it officially

 

[Canadian Club]

100%

Ive been pretty bullish on Luke as a possible centre for quite some time.

He has all the attributes and if thats his best pathway to first grade, it's worth investigating early.

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.

 

[tigerballs]

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.

It's a bit of a stretch comparing LL to Val Holmes.

 

[Plato]

Literally how journalism works - otherwise it's just PR and press releases. Actually gains credibility by getting people to talk. Also it's not always leaking - sometimes it would be the club wanting the message out but not ready to do it officially

Sadly that is all true, there simply is no accountability in the media any more.

 

[Canadian Club]

It's a bit of a stretch comparing LL to Val Holmes.

I wasn’t comparing their ability at all. Just their play style and the way they move at the same age.

 

[Lestronge]

It's a bit of a stretch comparing LL to Val Holmes.

Why ? They both played Aus schoolboys , and if it wasn’t for Voldemort I think Luke and the Fainu boys would have been the ones with the media attention .

 

[Betterdays22]

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

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)

 

[BAGNF05]

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.

I see similarities in their movements too. Hopefully Luke keeps adding strength because he looks like a real player of the future.

 

[88]

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.

 

[SeanT]

Why ? They both played Aus schoolboys , and if it wasn’t for Voldemort I think Luke and the Fainu boys would have been the ones with the media attention .

V Holmes drops the ball 3.timea a game so there's that

 

[rugbygoated]

Hugo Savala out and about in Ashfield today. Very nice bloke and had a good chat

 

[Vicious]

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.

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.

 

[Ecto-1]

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.

I can see Doueihi at 13, Latu at 6 and Mason at 14. That’s if D stays.

 

[tigerballs]

Why ? They both played Aus schoolboys , and if it wasn’t for Voldemort I think Luke and the Fainu boys would have been the ones with the media attention .

Val Holmes is a level or two above Aus schoolboys

 

[Ecto-1]

I wonder if they were considering Cobbo and either changed their opinion or couldn’t get him so decided on Taylan.

 

[Ecto-1]

 

[user118245]

tupou homesick supposedly

Any updates

 

[rihannafan1]

Any updates

Would there be spaces for him? Staines, Skelton, Laulili and Turuva cover our wings nicely, unless you'd want him in the centres and he wants to play Cup.

Also, what's the go with Kepaoa? I assume that fell through.

 

[Darty the winger]

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.

13 - omfg do you even football 👎🏼