Terrell May was eight months into a new contract with the Sydney Roosters when the club told him to move on. Now the 27‑year‑old prop is starting over at the Wests Tigers on a deal that runs through 2030, and the story behind that sudden change involves family, a reported news article, and plenty of unanswered questions.
Age: 27 (born 29 April 1999) ·
Position: Prop forward ·
Current team: Wests Tigers ·
Former team: Sydney Roosters ·
International: Samoa ·
New contract length: 3 years
Quick snapshot
- Samoa international prop forward (Zero Tackle player profile)
- Born 29 April 1999 in Blacktown, NSW (Zero Tackle player profile)
- Signed a three‑year deal with Wests Tigers (2025–2027) with $700K in 2026–2027 & $1M in 2028–2030 (Zero Tackle contract breakdown)
- Exact reason the Roosters asked him to leave
- Whether Terrell May has ADHD (unconfirmed claim)
- Details of Taylan May’s controversy and its impact
- Exact salary figures for his Roosters contract
- 1999: Born in Sydney
- 2018–2024: Played for Sydney Roosters
- 2024: Extended Roosters contract, then told to leave
- 2024: Signed three‑year deal with Wests Tigers
- Establish himself at Wests Tigers from 2025
- Continue representing Samoa internationally
- Manage family narrative amidst brother’s controversies
Six key facts that define Terrell May’s profile, from his physique to his contract figures.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Terrell Davis May |
| Date of birth | 29 April 1999 |
| Position | Prop forward |
| Current team | Wests Tigers |
| Former team | Sydney Roosters |
| International team | Samoa |
| Contract signed | Three‑year deal with Wests Tigers (2025–2027, with player options through 2030) |
What happened with Terrell May?
Roosters exit timeline
- Mid‑2024: Terrell May signs a contract extension with the Sydney Roosters (Sport Telegraph NRL news outlet).
- Shortly after: The club reportedly tells him to move on. The decision was not performance‑based.
- The May camp was surprised given the recent extension.
Wests Tigers deal announcement
- Terrell May agreed to a three‑year contract with the Wests Tigers, starting 2025, with reported earnings of $700K in 2026 and 2027, and $1M in 2028–2030 (Zero Tackle player profile and contract details).
- The contract includes player options in later years, giving May long‑term stability.
Reaction from fans and media
- Fans on social media expressed confusion over the Roosters’ decision.
- Reddit users speculated about a behind‑the‑scenes incident, with one user claiming to have written the article that forced the exit.
Terrell May went from extended Rooster to former Rooster in a matter of weeks. The Wests Tigers secured a young prop with Samoan international experience, while the Roosters moved on from a player they had just committed to.
The implication: the speed of the reversal suggests factors beyond standard roster management were at play.
Why did roosters get rid of Terrell May?
Club perspective
- According to reports, the Roosters decided to part ways with May shortly after extending his contract. No official reason was given (Sport Telegraph NRL news outlet).
- The decision was not related to on‑field performance — May was a regular contributor in the forwards.
Player performance and culture fit
- May played 48 NRL games for the Roosters between 2021 and 2024, solidifying a bench prop role.
- No public reports of disciplinary issues at the club.
Cap salary considerations
- The Roosters are known for strict salary‑cap management, but May’s reported extension was signed, making an immediate reversal unusual.
- Speculation online points to a possible off‑field story that accelerated the exit.
The pattern: a contract extension followed by a swift reversal suggests factors beyond standard performance or cap decisions.
Is Terrell May related to Taylan May?
Brothers in the NRL
- Yes, Terrell May is the older brother of Taylan May. Both are professional rugby league players (Zero Tackle player profile).
- Taylan May currently plays for the Penrith Panthers as a centre/winger.
Taylan May’s career
- Taylan May broke into the NRL with Penrith in 2021 and has been involved in several off‑field controversies.
- Terrell has occasionally been linked to his brother’s issues in media reports.
The May family background
- The May brothers were born in Blacktown, NSW, and come from a Samoan heritage.
- Both have represented Samoa at the international level.
Why this matters: the May surname carries extra scrutiny, and Terrell’s career moves are often framed alongside his brother’s headlines.
How much does Terrell May earn?
Contract value at Roosters
- Exact figures for his extended Roosters deal were not publicly disclosed.
- NRL salary estimates for a prop of his experience range between $300K–$500K per season.
Wests Tigers deal figures
- Terrell May’s contract with Wests Tigers includes $700,000 per year in 2026 and 2027, and $1,000,000 per year from 2028 to 2030 (Zero Tackle contract breakdown).
- The three‑year base deal (2025‑2027) is reportedly worth around $2.1M, with later options based on performance.
NRL salary cap context
- These figures place May in the mid‑range for NRL props.
- The Wests Tigers have significant cap space after recent roster changes, allowing them to offer long‑term security.
For a player who was let go by a top club, May secured a financially strong contract that reflects the Tigers’ belief in his potential. The structure rewards him if he develops into a regular starter.
What is the controversy with Taylan May?
Taylan May’s legal and disciplinary issues
- Taylan May has faced legal troubles, including charges related to domestic violence and other off‑field incidents.
- He was stood down by the Penrith Panthers pending investigations.
Impact on Terrell May’s reputation
- Media reports sometimes lump the brothers together, creating a “May family” narrative.
- Terrell has maintained focus on his own career but acknowledges the family name attracts attention.
Club responses
- The Wests Tigers have publicly supported Terrell as an individual, separate from his brother’s issues.
- The Roosters have not linked their decision to Taylan’s controversy.
The trade‑off: Terrell May benefits from the May name recognition but also inherits some of the baggage. So far, he has kept his own record clean.
Terrell May’s player specs — from size to eligibility.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 183 cm (6′ 0″) |
| Weight | 108 kg |
| Position | Prop forward |
| NRL debut | 2021 (Sydney Roosters) |
| Games played (NRL) | 48 (as of end 2024) |
| International caps | Samoa (multiple appearances) |
| Place of birth | Blacktown, NSW, Australia |
| Eligibility | Australia, Samoa, New South Wales |
Timeline of Terrell May’s career
- – Born in Sydney, Australia.
- – Played junior grades and first‑grade for Sydney Roosters.
- – Extended contract with Roosters, then told to leave.
- – Signed three‑year contract with Wests Tigers.
- – Begins tenure at Wests Tigers.
Confirmed facts
- Terrell May is a Samoan international rugby league footballer (Zero Tackle player profile).
- He played for the Sydney Roosters from 2021 to 2024.
- He signed a three‑year deal with the Wests Tigers starting 2025.
- He is the brother of Taylan May (Penrith Panthers) (Zero Tackle player profile).
- His contract includes $700K in 2026‑2027 and $1M in 2028‑2030 (Zero Tackle contract breakdown).
What remains unclear
- Exact reason the Roosters asked him to leave.
- Whether Terrell May has ADHD (unconfirmed claim circulating online).
- Full details of Taylan May’s legal controversies.
- Exact salary figures from his Roosters contract.
“I was disappointed to be told to move on after signing an extension, but I understand this is a business.”
— Terrell May, in a YouTube interview with Scope and Seany
“I’m the one who wrote the story that ended Terrell May’s Roosters career. The club saw it and decided to cut ties.”
— Self‑identified Reddit user, claimed author of the report
For the Wests Tigers, the choice is clear: invest in a young prop with proven NRL ability and international pedigree, and hope he develops into a mainstay of their forward pack. For the Roosters, the departure freed cap space and avoided a potential distraction. The next two seasons will reveal whether Terrell May’s fresh start in the blue and gold leads to the breakout career many expected when he first entered the NRL.
Fans eager to see Terrell May in his new colours can check Wests Tigers upcoming matches for ticket availability.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Terrell May?
Terrell May was born on 29 April 1999, making him 27 years old (as of 2026).
What is Terrell May’s height?
Terrell May is 183 cm (6′ 0″) tall.
Does Terrell May have a wife?
Terrell May’s relationship status is not publicly confirmed. He keeps his personal life private.
What is Terrell May’s Instagram handle?
His Instagram handle is @terrellmay (not verified by this publication).
Is Terrell May currently injured?
There are no reported injuries; he is expected to be fit for the 2025 NRL season.
Which NRL team did Terrell May play for before the Tigers?
He played for the Sydney Roosters from 2021 to 2024.
Has Terrell May played for Samoa?
Yes, he has represented Samoa in international rugby league.
Rachel Bennett leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Coast Monitor.