In a surprising turn of events, controversial NRL star Taylan May has sparked intrigue among fans by hinting at a surprising career pivot away from rugby league.
The 23-year-old had domestic violence charges dropped earlier in the week after his wife did not show up to court after alleging he punched her in the eye, struck her forehead and verbally threatened her.
May had pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of stalking or intimidation intending to cause fear, and two counts of contravening an apprehended violence order (AVO).
The footballer now appears to be exploring new horizons beyond professional sports, if his social media activity is anything to go by.
May has posted footage of himself appearing in a rap video clip and has rebranded himself on Instagram to ‘Taylanmayfair’.
He’s also set up a separate Instagram account called ‘MAYFAIR PTY LTD’ that seems to be related to other business ventures.
Former Penrith Panthers premiership winner Taylan May exits Penrith Local Court on Monday after domestic violence charges were withdrawn by police
May is exploring new horizons creatively with the release of rap video teaser (pictured)
An Aussie hip hop news account announced on Tuesday: ‘The Australian rap world has just gained another NRL player with @taylanmayfair last night revealing his first official release is on the way alongside brother @ttgtevi’.
May reposted a message trumpeting the clip’s impact, with a caption reading: ‘Ain’t even 24 hours 306K views. We ain’t here to take part. 1K comments & we shooting a MV [music video]. We appreciate da luv keep running it.’
A visibly relieved May left Penrith courthouse smiling after the dismissal on Monday, accompanied by lawyers and supporters. However, he declined to provide any public comment.
The legal battle significantly disrupted May’s rugby league career.
He was indefinitely stood down by the NRL under its no-fault stand-down policy on May 23, 2024, and later parted ways with the Panthers by mutual agreement in July last year.
However, Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys confirmed on Monday that the 23-year-old was cleared to return to the game immediately.
‘Now that there is no pending charge, he’s free to play,’ V’landys said.
‘The no-fault stand-down policy is always on police charge. The police charges have been dropped. He was stood down until the matter is concluded. It is now concluded. He’s free to play.
‘The stand-down rule was a line-in-the-sand moment from the game that under no circumstances will we ever tolerate violence against women or children.
May (pictured outside court) played 30 games for the Panthers including the 2022 NRL Grand Final before he was stood down by the league
With the charges withdrawn, May could now return to the NRL if the league gives him the green light to find a new club
‘If a player was charged by the police, then we stand the player down. As the charges have been withdrawn, and unless some other evidence comes forward, he’s free to play.’
Wests Tigers have been named as one club potentially interest in May’s services after signing his brother Terrell from the Sydney Roosters for this season.
May’s history with the Panthers was turbulent.
Prior to the domestic violence allegations, he was found guilty of assaulting a teenage fan who took a video of him at a post-grand final party in 2021.
Last year he was reprimanded for posting footage of himself in a speeding car.
The incident attracted scrutiny from the NRL Integrity Unit and Penrith management, leading May to temporarily delete his social media accounts.
‘I was in the car, but I wasn’t driving – I can’t say who was driving,’ May said in response to the speeding incident.
He later expressed regret over the attention the incident attracted due to his profile.
Now cleared of criminal charges, May’s path is open to a potential return to professional rugby league, though his future remains uncertain.
May played 30 games with the Panthers and contributed to their 2022 grand final victory, and also represented Samoa in 2022.
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