‘The dream’s not dead’: May brothers still plan on playing together in the future, but it won’t be next year at Penrith

Taylan May has revealed he had offers on the table from rival clubs but ultimately decided to stay loyal to the Panthers, with the in-form centre confirming “the dream’s not dead” of one day playing alongside his siblings ahead of Thursday’s showdown with elder brother Terrell and the Roosters.

May, 22, signed a two-year extension last week despite constant speculation that he could leave Penrith to join his brothers following comments he made last December.

That almost became a reality with the Roosters chatting with him as late as last week as they look to replace rugby-bound Joseph Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the outside backs, but that fell through.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was hard,” May said when asked about the contract negotiations.

“I had a few options and I wanted to play with my brothers and all that, but here’s home for me. My family is here, it’s easier for my partner and my kids, and I love it here. I think I’ll grow here the most.

“It was heaps close (that I’d leave) but it was a bit too stressful and I wanted something done.

“I had something firm here and other offers on the table from other clubs, but it was stressful and I wanted to be here.

“The only other club I wanted to go to was the Roosters, but it didn’t happen and that’s all right. There were talks, but there was nothing on the table.

“I like Trent Robinson and I met him a few times, but it’s all cool. There are no hard feelings.”

Robinson confirmed on Wednesday that the Roosters had spoken with May about a possible move to the east.

“I don’t think we got close in the end, I don’t think we got an offer out,” he said.

“But I respect ‘Tiny’ as a player and the way that he goes about the game.

“We’ve had a really good experience here with Terrell and part of the family, so those are all quite positive. But it didn’t get to the point where we were going to sign him.”

May’s future had been a major talking point and went into overdrive when he posted a comment on Instagram saying “last ride”, which he knew would cause a storm when taken out of context.

“We’ve only got a few more games left at Penrith so that’s what our theme is,” he explained.

“I knew people would get the wrong idea, and I just like to troll. It was pretty funny to me because everyone believes what the media puts out.”

Taylan, Terrell and Tyrone – who is playing in the Super League – have expressed a desire to play together in the future, but it’s unlikely Terrell will be at Penrith next year given the prop will attract offers the premiers cannot match.

“I don’t think they can afford him,” Taylan said.

“One hundred per cent he would come back here (if the salary cap went up) but I think what he’s on now and what he’s getting offered, I don’t think we could afford him.

“Maybe eventually down the line we could play together in Super League, but that’s later, later on.

“We all agreed that everyone does their own thing for now, and then hopefully down the line we can link up. The dream’s not dead.”

That dream could be a nightmare if the brothers run at each other on Thursday night, with Taylan there two years ago when Terrell made his NRL debut against Penrith at the SCG.

The Panthers won that easily, with all eyes on who the May family will support in a game Taylan has been cleared to play after the MRC chose not to charge him for a head clash that left Reece Walsh with a facial fracture.

“I hope he rips up but we win,” Taylan said.

“It’s going to be scary playing him now because he’s playing long minutes and I know what he can do. He’s killing it.

“It is hard playing against him because I do wish good upon him, but like I said, I hope he rips up and they don’t win. If he scores three tries and we won still, I’d be happy.

“My dad is definitely going for the Panthers because he’s a diehard Panthers fan, but my mum, she’s just going for whoever touches the ball the most out of us. She doesn’t really choose sides.

“All my cousins are going for the Roosters. I’ve lost them, they’re all turncoats.”