Panthers Chief Executive Officer Matt Cameron is confident a deal can be done to keep the in-form Taylan May at the Panthers for many years to come.
Cameron told Lang on League that: “Conversations are progressing well with Taylan’s management representatives. He is a valued member of our playing group and the club is confident we can get something sorted out sooner rather than later.”
Music to the ears of Panthers supporters who have seen more than their fair share of players leave the club due to salary cap constraints over the last three years.
Taylan May’s agent from Black Money Enterprises also told me that he was positive about how talks were progressing.
“Negotiations with the Panthers are ongoing but positive,” he said.
“Given Taylan’s strong showing in the World Club Challenge and against the Storm last week, obviously there’s heavy interest from numerous clubs.
“Taylan’s a very intelligent young man with great guidance from his family, so I’m sure he will make the right decision in due time.”
Despite the Panthers’ tough start to the season, May’s form has been a major positive which has cast a nice light over the shadow of two close defeats.
May has had a dream start to his career as Penrith’s newest centre and been the best player on the field after a serious ACL injury saw him miss the entire 2023 NRL season.
There is no doubt that following the reported re-signing of centre partner Izack Tago until the end of 2027, that the man they call ‘Tiny’ must be the next priority signing for the club.
Yes, even ahead of hooker Mitch Kenny and 2023 Dally M Rookie of the Year winner Sunia Turuva.
Of course, both Kenny and Turuva must also be retained however in my opinion, they need to wait in line behind May who has shown he will be in hot demand if he keeps his current purple-patch of form up.
Against the Storm in Round 1, May ran for 157 metres, made seven tackle breaks and ran for 25 post contact metres, which simply put, means he was one hard son-of-a-gun to bring down.
The step, the swerve, the turn of speed were all there against a team which was not giving an inch of ground without a fight.
His performance against Wigan a few weeks earlier was equally as impressive.
Remember this is a man who had not played a competitive game of football since his season-ending injury against St Helens on February 18 last year.
The last word goes to Penrith coach Ivan Cleary, who had this to say in a press conference on Monday about May’s great start to the season and his game against the Storm.
“I’m very pleased (for Taylan),” said Cleary.
“It was only his second game back after a big injury and he showed some very promising signs and he certainly deserves some luck.
“I’m looking forward to him having a big season.”
We all are Ivan.
Peter Lang is an experienced sports writer, who has been covering rugby league for several decades.
