Tyrone May

Future of controversy prone Panther close to decided

The 25-year-old is on the verge of learning his fate.

Published by
Ed Carmine

Controversial Penrith utility Tyrone May is on the precipice of learning whether his time with the 2021 premiers has come to a close.

According to Brent Read of The Australianthe 25-year-old's future currently hangs in the balance, with a verdict set to be handed down when the club's board meets next Wednesday.

While May remains contracted at Bluebet Stadium for the 2022 season, if Penrith's brass decide to distance themselves from the one-time Samoan international, it could be curtains for his contentious NRL career.

Though a finding is yet to be handed down, the club confirmed as much in a brief statement on Wednesday afternoon that claimed May would have a chance to plead his case in a week's time.

The Panthers' adjudication is set to come in the wake of May's decision to open old wounds surrounding his sentence for filming a woman during a sexual act without her consent.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 24: Tyrone May of the Panthers in action during the round 24 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Penrith Panthers at Mt Smart Stadium on August 24, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

Although May managed to avoid a prison term after being found guilty in Parramatta Local Court in 2020, he was handed a three-year good behaviour bond and a lengthy community service order.

These punishments were added to by the league following his decision to upload a tone-deaf Instagram post in the hours after the Panthers' victory over South Sydney earlier this month.

Last week, May was issued a breach notice by the league and a $7500 fine. These came in addition to being stood down by the club.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: Tyrone May of the Panthers is sent to the sin-bin during the round 23 NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Newcastle Knights at Panthers Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images)

Despite a decision on whether May will be welcomed back to the fold for Penrith's premiership defence still hanging in the balance, Read held the view that his relationship with the Cleary family could see him survive.

Within his Wednesday morning report, Read suggested that given his past with Ivan, Nathan, and Indie Cleary, May's on-field and off-field bonds could see him afforded a chance to see out his one-year deal.

Published by
Ed Carmine