May’s future has been a hot topic of debate after the Roosters told the prop he was free to leave. Jarome Luai’s influence looks to have helped the Wests Tigers pull off one of the signing coups of the NRL off-season, with Terrell May reportedly agreeing on a $2 million deal with Benji Marshall’s side. Multiple reports on Monday have stated the Tigers have won the race for May’s signature after he was informed by Roosters coach Trent Robinson that he wasn’t part of their plans.
It’s understood May’s deal is for the next three seasons and came off the back of his time in Samoa camp with the Tigers’ marquee signing Luai, during their recent two-Test series against England. Luai is said to be very close with the May family having previously played with Terrell’s brothers Taylan and Tyrone at the Panthers.
The 25-year-old sat down for a face-to-face chat with Benji Marshall last week after striking up a bond with Luai in Samoa camp. And it’s understood Marshall walked away from the face-to-face with May very impressed with what the prop could offer the club, particularly after seeing former Blues Origin prop Stefano Utoikamanu depart for the Storm.
May enjoyed a breakout season for the Roosters and was one of the club’s most consistent middle forwards in 2024, making his signing a massive get for the Tigers. Marshall’s side had already lost Utoikamanu as well as Isaiah Papali’i, and needed someone of May’s ability to fill the void after the departure of the duo. He will join Luai, Sunia Turuva and Royce Hunt as new recruits for the Tigers in 2025.
The Roosters decided that May does not fit into the club’s plans and their decision to allow him to leave left a number of rival NRL clubs circling, including the Tigers, Bulldogs and Dragons. It’s understood May held discussions with Dragons coach Shane Flanagan and Bulldogs mentor Cameron Ciraldo, but the Tigers ultimately won the race.
Trent Robinson explains reasons for letting Terrell May leave
Roosters coach Robinson is said to have phoned May while the prop was in England with the Samoa squad to explain the club’s decision to let him leave. Robinson told The Daily Telegraph that the prop had not done anything wrong and the move had nothing to do with his character, but admitted to having concerns around his “longevity” in the game.
