Trent Robinson reveals depth of Taylan May pursuit; Roosters vs Panthers
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The family reunion for Taylan May has been put on hold after the Penrith young gun’s decision to extend with the club, knocking back the Roosters and other NRL rivals.
The 22-year-old and his brother Terrell had expressed their desire to play alongside each other in the top grade, but that dream has been placed on the backburner after the Panthers centre re-signed until the end of 2026.
May had been linked with a cross-town move to the Tricolours in order to link up with his older brother, but according to Trent Robinson, their pursuit never got off the ground.
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”I don’t think we got close in the end,” he told media on Wednesday ahead of a blockbuster clash between the Roosters and Panthers.
“I don’t think we got an offer out there, but we respect ‘Tiny’ as a player and how he goes about the game.
“We’ve had a really good experience here with Terrell and we know the family – those are all quite positive, but it didn’t get to the point where we were gonna sign him.”
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May publicly endorsed the Roosters and Robinson this week, but confirmed there was never a formal offer from the powerhouse club and conceded Terrell’s future is unlikely to be at the Panthers given their salary cap restraints.
His extension is a blow for Robinson’s side, with star outside backs Joseph Suaalii and Joseph Manu both set to head to rugby union at the end of this year, leaving a gaping hole that May could have filled.
The local junior has returned in tremendous form for the reigning premiers this year, after an ACL injury ruled him out of the entire 2023 campaign.
May’s decision to stay at the foot of the Mountains came shortly after centre partner Izack Tago inked a long-term extension, leaving head coach Ivan Cleary overjoyed.
“It’s always a bit of a challenge to keep our boys, particularly after the last few years,” he said on Wednesday.
“I’m very excited, they are both local boys and they came through at a similar time. Taylan’s had a bit of a rocky road through injury, but he’s jumped into that left centre position and done really well.
“I’m very happy to have them both locked away for the next few years.”
Penrith will travel to Allianz Stadium on Thursday for a huge clash with the Chooks.
