Hull KR star Tyrone May has proven himself to be the most relaxed man in rugby league as he addressed the media before the Super League semis.
May joined the Robins at the start of the season after leaving Catalans Dragons, with who he went to the Grand Final in 2023, and it’s fair to say he’s fit in brilliantly at Craven Park.
The former Penrith Panthers man is often noted by Hull KR fans to glide around the field but his laid-back style doesn’t stop on the pitch as he admitted that he’s ‘pretty cruisy’ as he explained the benefits of having had the week off ahead of the club’s semi-final against Warrington.
Asked how he felt about the bye round and whether he’d have rather played, May explained: “I’m pretty cruisy so I don’t mind just chilling and having to train. Personally, I find it not too bad having the week off and finding that balance.
“Not going out of the normal and doing what you usually do is something we’ve stuck to and hopefully we’re we’re prepped right.”
“I walk out” – Hull KR star confirms his status as Super League’s most laidback player
Credit: John Clifton/SWpix.com
The ‘pretty cruisy’ playmaker is no stranger to the big occasion having made ‘finals footy’ in each year of his professional career and whilst there will be nerves among plenty of fans at Craven Park on Friday night, Hull KR’s number 27 won’t be stressing about it.
On the preparation for such a big game, he noted: “Like I said, I’m pretty cruisy and pretty chilled so it doesn’t really bother me that it’s a build-up to this game. I think if we just prep the way we prep, obviously it is a big occasion but personally I just like to go into every game the same and I think all the other boys do too.”
May was then pushed further and asked if even someone as laidback as himself could still get nerves when they “run out” to the field, prompting a response that sums up his character.
“I walk out,” May jokingly replied, before stating that once kick-off occurs, he’ll be in the zone and ready to showcase his skills as normal.
“When I was a kid I used to get that jittery feeling, but it’s about just narrowing your focus about the first job. I’ll definitely probably have a bit of nerves in the stomach, but I think once that ball kicks off, I think it goes away once you get a touch and get an early involvement.”
In the last meeting between Hull KR and Warrington Wolves, May put in a stellar performance including a brilliant try where he leapt above full-back Matt Dufty to ground Mikey Lewis’ high kick. He and the KR faithful will be hoping for the same on Friday night.
