Terrell May’s talent is unquestionable, and he is on the verge of starting an exciting new chapter in his NRL career.
In a move that has caught the attention of the NRL community, the Sydney Roosters have reportedly granted
forward Terrell May an early release from his contract, with the Wests Tigers emerging as a potential landing spot.
The decision comes after a period of speculation regarding May’s future at the Roosters, with both the club and
player agreeing that a change of scenery could be beneficial for all parties involved.
May, a highly touted forward with immense physical potential, has struggled to break into the Roosters’ starting
lineup on a consistent basis. His exit signals the end of his tenure with the club after several seasons, leaving fans
and analysts alike wondering about the next chapter for both May and the Roosters.
Meanwhile, the Wests Tigers, who have been active in reshaping their squad for the future, have been quick to
express interest in the 24-year-old. With the Tigers looking to bolster their forward pack ahead of the new season,
May could be the type of dynamic, hard-hitting player they need to strengthen their middle. The move, if finalized,
would represent a fresh start for the young forward, who still has plenty of untapped potential.
A Talented Forward Looking for Consistency.
Terrell May’s potential has never been in doubt. Standing at 6’4” and weighing over 250 pounds, May is an imposing
figure on the field, capable of dominating through the middle with his size and power. A product of the Roosters’
development system, May made his NRL debut in 2020 and quickly showed glimpses of the physicality and
aggression that could make him a regular fixture in the competition. However, despite his clear talent, May has
found opportunities limited at the Roosters, where competition for spots in the forward pack has been fierce.
Over the past few seasons, the Roosters have maintained one of the most competitive rosters in the NRL, and May
has struggled to consistently secure a place in the starting 17. With stalwarts like Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Lindsay
Collins, and Angus Crichton ahead of him in the pecking order, May has often found himself playing a bit-part role,
with limited minutes off the bench. As a result, his development has been stunted, and he has never fully been able to
establish himself as a starting forward for the club.
This lack of game time has likely played a key role in May’s decision to request a release. At 24 years old, he’s at a
critical point in his career where consistent playing time is essential to his growth and long-term success. While the
Roosters have a wealth of talent, they have opted to allow May to explore other opportunities, acknowledging that his
future lies in a club where he can play a more prominent role.
Wests Tigers: A New Beginning?
The Wests Tigers have been undergoing a significant overhaul under coach Tim Sheens and football director Benji
Marshall, with an eye toward building a more competitive squad for the future. After several years of struggles and
inconsistency, the Tigers have made it clear that they are in a rebuilding phase, and May could be a key part of that
plan.
Wests are reportedly keen to add some firepower and depth to their forward pack, and May’s dynamic, hard-running
style fits the profile of the type of player the club is looking for. The Tigers have a relatively young and developing
forward group, with players like David Klemmer, Stefano Utoikamanu, and Luke Garner expected to form the core of
their engine room in 2024. Adding a player like May, who has the physicality and talent to grow into a key role,
would give the Tigers another piece in their quest to climb the NRL ranks.
For May, a move to the Tigers could provide the consistent playing time he needs to reach his full potential. With an
opportunity to feature regularly in the starting 13, May could finally showcase the skills and impact that many
believe he’s capable of. His combination of size, speed, and aggression could add a new dimension to the Tigers’
forward pack, particularly in terms of both yardage and defensive power.
Roosters’ Decision: A Strategic Move.
The decision by the Roosters to part ways with May may seem surprising to some, but it appears to be a calculated
one. The Roosters have a well-established forward pack, and coach Trent Robinson’s focus is on developing younger
players who are ready to contribute immediately. With the club’s salary cap situation and roster depth, it may have
made more sense to grant May the opportunity to play regularly elsewhere, rather than keeping him in a role that
might hinder his development.
From a strategic standpoint, the Roosters may also be looking to free up space for other roster moves or upcoming
signings, as they continue to build their squad for the future. The club is renowned for its ability to develop young
talent and bring in high-caliber recruits, so parting with May might be a decision aimed at clearing the way for new
acquisitions or helping to refine the team’s overall structure.
What’s Next for Terrell May?
As Terrell May prepares for the next step in his career, the NRL will be watching closely to see how he fares with a
new team. A move to the Tigers could represent the fresh start he’s been seeking, and his development at the club
will be closely monitored as he continues to mature as a player. For the Tigers, signing May could pay off in spades,
adding a powerful, aggressive forward who still has the potential to become one of the competition’s most damaging
players.
For the Roosters, the departure of May is a reminder of the challenges that come with managing a roster filled with
so many high-caliber players. While they may be losing a promising talent, the Roosters remain focused on their
long-term goals, confident that their depth and recruitment strategy will keep them in the hunt for NRL titles.
With the Wests Tigers reportedly leading the chase for May’s signature, it won’t be long before the next chapter of
this young forward’s career begins to unfold. Whether he thrives in his new environment or faces challenges
adjusting to a new team, one thing is clear: Terrell May’s potential remains undeniable, and he’s about to embark on
an exciting new journey in the NRL.
