Catalans Dragons star Tyrone May backed for NRL return

Catalans Dragons star Tyrone May is being backed for an NRL just a year after he was sacked by Penrith Panthers.

May was given his marching orders by the premiers at the end of 2021 after posting a controversial statement on Instagram which referenced his involvement in the sex-tape scandal that had previously plagued Penrith.

May pleaded guilty to four counts of recording intimate images without consent in 2020 and was sentenced to 300 hours of community work.

He later signed for Catalans on a one-year contract to give him time and space away from the NRL – and he’s now starting to find his feet in Super League.

The versatile May, who can play anywhere in the 13 except perhaps prop, ran rampant against Castleford Tigers last week, scoring a try and assisting four more in a wonderful display.

And, his former teammate Nathan Cleary, has backed may for a return Down Under.

“I’ve been watching him play, he’s one of my best mates, it’s good to see him get his opportunity over there and taking it with both hands,” Cleary told The Sun Herald.

“I think he’s really enjoying it, it’s something different, and he’s got away for a bit.

“I miss him. One day I’d love to see him back here. It’s been a good change and he can reinvent himself. We’ll see what happens, I’m just glad he’s playing footy and enjoying himself.”

Catalans boss Steve McNamara waxed lyrical about May since he joined the club.

“He’s a young man who made a mistake in the past but, for us, he’s been really good. He’s been exemplary,” McNamara said.

“We weren’t quite sure where we were going to play Tyrone initially, but his utility value has been outstanding for us.

“His two best games for us have come when he played fullback against Warrington when Sam Tomkins was injured, then at five-eighth against Castleford when he was our man of the match.

“He’s a really intelligent player, a cool character and someone who has been no bother whatsoever. We’ve not made a decision yet in terms of what we will do moving forward, but he’s been a pleasure to have around.”