Taylan May, a player for the Panthers in the NRL, faces indefinite stand down under the league’s no-fault policy after being arrested due to a domestic violence allegation involving his wife.
The arrest took place early Saturday morning, concerning an incident reported to have occurred last month. NSW Police confirmed the arrest of the 22-year-old in Penrith following the allegation.
The NRL is anticipated to stand down Taylan May indefinitely, despite his team’s decision to stand him down before their recent game. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary mentioned that the alleged incident hasn’t affected the team.
“No, I don’t think so,” he said.
“We just got on with life, we are here to play footy and that’s what we did.
“We just didn’t play well enough today.”
May’s future in playing is uncertain, with reports suggesting it’s in jeopardy. However, the NRL has reportedly not issued him a breach notice yet.
The police statement read:
“Police were told about 9pm on Monday 8 April 2024, the man allegedly assaulted a woman known to him during an argument at a home in Werrington.
“It is alleged he punched her in the face and leg.
“The man was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV), and two counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (DV).”
May was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear before Penrith Local Court on May 28, 2024, following an Apprehended Violence Order application filed by his wife, Jessica.
Additionally, the Panthers released a statement on Saturday afternoon regarding the situation.
“Penrith Panthers are aware of an alleged incident regarding player Taylan May, which has resulted in police charges,” the statement read.
“Panthers has informed the NRL Integrity Unit and will co-operate throughout the process.
“As this is a legal matter, the club will make no further comment at this stage.”
Despite signing a contract extension with the Panthers earlier this year, May’s future with the club is uncertain following the recent allegations.
While the charges against him don’t trigger the NRL’s automatic no-fault stand down policy, the league retains discretionary power to stand down players, as seen in previous cases like Parramatta’s Dylan Brown.
These allegations add to May’s previous conviction for assaulting a young fan during Penrith’s grand final win in 2021.
The incident occurred at the Duporth Tavern in Maroochydore on October 8, involving Panthers player Nathan Cleary confronting an 18-year-old man who had recorded him earlier and wanted the video deleted.
CCTV footage presented in court showed Taylan May approaching the man while he was talking with Cleary and another teammate, Tyrone May.
May then grabbed the man by his shirt collar, causing him to fall and hit his head on the floor, resulting in a sprained neck. Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin criticized May’s actions as “reprehensible” and “cowardly.”
May was ordered to pay $1000 in compensation to the victim and received a $1000 fine, with no conviction recorded against him.
