Terrell May Blasts Roosters for ‘Sabotage’ Timing of Release, Embraces Fresh Start as Tigers’ Pack Leader

Former Sydney Roosters prop Terrell May has continued to air his grievances against the club following his unexpected release at the end of the 2024 season. Despite re-signing with the Roosters earlier this year on a deal set to keep him at the club until the end of 2026, May was abruptly moved on, a decision he believes was strategically timed to limit his options with other top-tier NRL clubs.

May, who has since joined the Wests Tigers, expressed his frustrations on the Bye Round with James Graham podcast, where he criticized the timing of the Roosters’ decision. “I wanted to be a one-club man,” he said. “But when you come on the market late in the year, most teams have already filled their top 30, so there’s no cap space or opportunities. I felt like it was a strategy to stop me from joining certain clubs like Melbourne or Penrith.”

May highlighted that Penrith released James Fisher-Harris and signed Isaiah Papali’i shortly after his re-signing with the Roosters, suggesting Penrith would have been seeking a front-rower. He also pointed out that the Roosters’ interest in Ben Hunt may have influenced his departure, though the club ultimately missed out on Hunt and instead secured Reece Robson for 2026.

May dismissed rumors that his attitude was problematic, calling such assumptions “the stupidest stuff.” He noted that perceptions about him stemmed from his background in Mt Druitt and his distinctive appearance, which includes tattoos and a mullet.

Now with the Tigers on a $650,000-per-year deal until 2027, May is embracing his new role as a leader. He joins a strong recruitment class featuring Jarome Luai, Sunia Turuva, and Jack Bird. “I’m happy at the Tigers,” May said. “It’s a fresh journey, and I get to lead the pack.”