Latest NRL deal could provide big clue about future of Hull KR man

Taylan May looks set to join NRL outfit Wests Tigers in a switch that could well have a big impact on the future of Hull KR half-back Tyrone May.

The Rovers man picked up an assist in Saturday’s Challenge Cup final given it was his teasing kick that Tom Davies managed to touch down in the 77th minute of the contest. And, after helping the club break their 40-year trophy drought, May will always have a place in the club’s history.

But, where his future lies is still up in the air, with the half-back telling Serious About Rugby League on the eve of the new season about his desire to play with his brothers, Taylan and Terrell.

He is now in the final few months of his contract at Craven Park and head coach Willie Peters admitted at the end of March that May was exploring options down under in a bid to play alongside his two brothers.

That dream could now be close to a reality with Taylan expected to join Terrell at Wests this week. According to the Daily Telegraph, the 23-year-old is set to undergo a medical with the Tigers ahead of signing a train and trial deal for the remainder of the season.

The report claims he had interest from South Sydney Rabbitohs, but all being well the Tigers will be his destination. The deal comes after the domestic violence allegations which saw him released by Penrith Panthers were withdrawn three months ago.

May was a regular with the Panthers, making 30 appearances after breaking through into the first grade picture in 2021, before being part of the NRL Premiership team in 2022.

Terrell May has been with Wests since the start of the season after joining from Sydney Roosters and has so far made 13 appearances for the club.

Should Tyrone make the move back down under then, Wests will undoubtedly be his preferred destination, but whether that opportunity will arise remains to be seen.

What Tyrone May has said about his Hull KR future

“Really I just want to wait and see what happens really and wait for my brother to get through his issues and then I can work with him and see what he wants to do,” May said in January.

Adding more clarity, Peters said two months later: “We spoke to Tyrone earlier in the year and I think Tyrone has ambitions to go back to Australia.

“He wants to go and play with his brothers, he’s openly said that so that’s where his focus is, he wants to play with his brothers and he’s said that openly a number of times. I think he’s looking for an opportunity to play with his brothers.”

It should be noted that a new deal at Hull KR has not been ruled out, with Peters and CEO Paul Lakin stressing that point.