Hull KR star Tyrone May reveals Nathan Cayless conversation and Man of Steel goal as World Cup ambitions laid out

Mercurial Hull KR half-back Tyrone May has revealed that conversations have already started between players and incoming boss Nathan Cayless.

Cayless, who is currently the coach of Parramatta Eels’ reserve grade side, will arrive at Craven Park in pre-season as he takes over from Willie Peters on a three-year deal.

It was confirmed in March that Peters would depart the club, as he joins PNG Chiefs to become their first-ever head coach. It took just under three months for the Robins to identify and announce his successor, with the club taking their time to appoint the right man to lead them into their next chapter.

May spoke to the press this week, ahead of KR’s home tie against Bradford Bulls. There, he was asked how the squad has reacted since Peters announced his exit, and how they want to end his reign in the best way possible.

“There’s not been much chat about [his exit], to be honest. Once Willie announced that he was leaving, there wasn’t really much chat until we found out we had a new coach.

“Even now, it’s more like, I haven’t even really thought about it at all, really. Obviously it’s a new thing next year, but I think we’re just worried about the now and hopefully we can do everything we can to send Willie off on a high note.”

May revealed that former Super League prop, Sam Moa, has given Cayless a glowing report, and that has assured the half-back heading into next season.

He revealed: “Sam Moa messaged me actually not long ago saying ‘I’m working with him now’. He’s at Parramatta, Sam Moa, I was with him at Catalans. He just said he’s a good man, a good family man, well respected.

“I’m looking forward to working with him in the near future, but we’ll cross that bridge when it comes.”

May then added: “I had one phone call with him [Cayless], just a little chat about some other stuff.”

“…I think his philosophy and his morals fit in with what we’re building here at KR.

“Hopefully he’ll come in and continue to drive what we need.”

Hull KR star Tyrone May sets out World Cup ambition after being named in Man of Steel top 10

After being named third in the Man of Steel rankings for the first third of the season, May was again included in the top 10 after the second third of 2026, putting him in a solid position to be in with a shot of the individual award come the end of the season.

Despite the recognition though, the award isn’t something May has really given any thought to, but does agree that it is an honour to be involved in the conversation.

“It will be good personally, but it’s not really something that I’ve ever set out to achieve,” he said. “I’ve always thought of just winning trophies.

“That was always my mentality, so it’s a bit of a funny one to get, I guess, named in that and then have people tell you you can go for it.

“I guess my job is to either win games, and then the more you win as a team, some individuals might get put up for awards at the end of the year, and that’s just how it goes.”

One thing that has crossed his mind is the Rugby League World Cup at the end of the season, and getting another chance to represent Samoa.

May played in the opening game of the 2021 edition against England, with his only other appearance for the country coming in 2018.

With the likes of NRL stars Chanel Harris-Tavita and Jarome Luai seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order, a strong end to the season could force the hand of head coach Ben Gardiner in his selections.

“I’d love to be selected, he admitted. “I’ve obviously got my brother there [Terrell] who will most likely be selected and the other one who, unfortunately, just had surgery [Taylan].

“But it’s a good time. It always has been in the Samoa camp, and it is something to look forward to at the end of the year.

“If I’m selected, I’d love to play but that’s if I’m selected.

The half-back revealed that there hasn’t been any conversations with Gardiner over a potential call-up, but remained optimistic, saying: “We’ll see what happens.”