Terrell May’s NRL journey is far from over.
In a move that has rocked the rugby league world, the Sydney Roosters have told star prop Terrell May that he is free
to explore other club options, despite re-signing with the NRL powerhouse just six months ago. The 25-year-old
Samoan international, who was seen as a key part of the Roosters’ future plans, now finds himself looking for a new
home as the club makes a stunning about-face.
May, one of the Roosters’ most consistent forwards in 2023, had only just agreed to a two-year contract extension in
April, with the club viewing him as a long-term replacement for the veteran Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. However, in a
surprising turn of events, May was informed by the Roosters on Thursday morning that they no longer saw him in
their future plans, despite his new contract officially set to kick in the following day.
The decision has sent shockwaves through the NRL community, as May had been one of the most sought-after
forwards earlier in the year. Both the Canterbury Bulldogs and St George Illawarra Dragons were reportedly keen on
securing his services, with St George even considering a potential deal that would have seen him join with fellow
Samoan international Taylan May. However, after a short bidding war, May chose the Roosters, believing it to be the
right fit for his career.
A Sudden Shift in Plans.
The timing of the move is particularly jarring given the Roosters’ earlier intentions to build their forward pack
around May’s strong, hard-hitting style. His defensive presence and ball-carrying ability had made him one of the
club’s more reliable middle forwards this season, earning praise as an underrated workhorse.
The news of his departure also raises questions about the club’s shifting priorities as the NRL transfer market heats
up ahead of November 1. For May, the decision leaves him in a position where he is now being encouraged to assess
offers from rival clubs, even as he joins the Samoan national team for their international campaign in England.
Sources suggest that the Roosters’ decision to let May go is tied to a larger reshuffling of their roster, with the club
looking at other avenues for strengthening their squad. Speculation has already begun that the Roosters may be
exploring a move for high-profile players, such as Ben Hunt, to fill gaps in their spine for next season, especially with
the looming departure of halfback Sam Walker due to injury.
A Surprising Blow for May’s Career.
For May, this sudden change is a major setback in what seemed to be a promising career trajectory. The decision to
part ways with the Roosters, a club that had just committed to him, leaves him in limbo with little time to explore
options before the new season. Though May’s talent has been well-regarded across the league, the question remains
whether he can quickly bounce back and find a new home that will appreciate his skillset.
The timing of the announcement also means that May’s options could be limited as other clubs have already secured
key players for next season. However, the situation could also work in his favor if clubs are looking to make late
moves to strengthen their packs ahead of the 2024 season. Teams in need of a reliable forward with NRL experience
will likely be monitoring the situation closely, with May’s potential availability now adding another layer of intrigue
to an already competitive transfer market.
Looking Ahead.
As May searches for his next opportunity, the ripple effects of this surprise decision will continue to unfold. The
Roosters, for their part, are now faced with the challenge of reworking their plans for the forward pack, while also
dealing with the fallout from what is sure to be a highly scrutinized move.
For May, it’s a moment of uncertainty but also one of potential opportunity. The market for forwards remains
competitive, and his talents—especially his defensive work rate and aggression—should make him an attractive
prospect to clubs in need of reinforcements. Whether he finds a new home quickly or faces a more prolonged search
remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Terrell May’s NRL journey is far from over.
