Panthers in dark over May
There’s certainly some confusion over the timeline related to Taylan May’s current woes, which will likely be cleared up through the court process.
The 22-year-old played against the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on Saturday, April 6. The alleged domestic violence incidents, for which he has now been charged, happened two days later on April 8. Penrith then had the bye, but May was still named on Tuesday, April 16 to play the Tigers the following Saturday. It was just 24 hours out from the game that the Panthers confirmed May would not play on the Saturday in Bathurst.
Speculation at the time focused on a separate incident involving May being the passenger in a speeding car, but the Panthers were adamant May was missing the game for “personal reasons” and not as any punishment following that incident – to the extent that they even contacted journalists to clarify.
It is my understanding that Penrith had no context around the “personal reasons” and were certainly in the dark over what allegedly took place on April 8.
May then returned to the Penrith side against the Cowboys on April 27, before playing against Souths on May 2 and Canterbury on May 10. He was arrested last Saturday, May 18, more than a month after the alleged crimes took place.
There’s plenty of gaps and unanswered questions here – and the first answers may come when May fronts court on Tuesday.
May’s social concern
Some concerned eyes are monitoring Taylan May’s social media accounts at the moment.
May’s behaviour on Instagram is erratic to say the least. In the hours after his arrest was revealed last Saturday, May seemingly disappeared from the platform – removing all posts on his account. Soon after, he was back online – this time with an updated profile picture, and a cryptic post on Monday captioned “gods timing” alongside music from 2PAC.
He’s also not laying low – spotted at The Shack café on Tuesday morning and posting an Instagram Story from the eatery.
He’s continued to post cryptic posts in the days since.
Spotted
Australian professional golfer and two-time PGA Tour winner Brett Ogle at Magic Round – cheering on his beloved Roosters in the company of a major Panthers sponsor.
Bad day for Panthers
Not only did Penrith fall to the Warriors in a major upset last Sunday, but Claws put in a poor performance in the mascot race later in the day. Claws missed the start and was never in it – finishing in the back end of the field.
Spotted
A Warriors fan at magic round very excited to have James Fisher-Harris joining the club next season – and letting him know about it.
Spotted
Which Panthers sponsor was seen on the dance floor at popular Brisbane country music bar Johnny Ringo’s on Saturday night?
Fish escapes ban
James Fisher-Harris was hit with a Grade One Dangerous Contact charge by the NRL’s Match Review Committee for a hip drop on Dylan Walker late in the game against the Warriors. Fish took the early plea, and was hit with a monetary fine only.
Yarning circle
The Panthers are due to hold a media opportunity today with Daine Laurie, Tyrone Peachey, Scott Sorensen and Liam Martin, where an Indigenous Yarning Circle will be officially opened at the Panthers Rugby League Academy. The opening was timed alongside the NRL Indigenous Round this weekend.
Shadowy figure
Poor old Peter Wallace. The bloke played 91 first grade games for the Panthers and has been involved with the club’s coaching staff for years, but he must be camera shy. The club hasn’t been able to find a photo of him for its website.
Dallin’s milestone celebration
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak had his family at Magic Round for his 200th NRL game last Sunday, a journey that started with the Panthers. And he celebrated in style, with the Warriors getting the win against his former club.
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