The rugby league world has been rocked by a stunning development out of the Sydney Roosters camp. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL, the Roosters have told prop Terrell May that he is free to explore options at other clubs, despite having only recently re-signed the Samoan international to a new two-year deal.
Roosters’ Bombshell Decision
According to sources close to the situation, May was informed of the Roosters’ decision on Thursday morning, with the news coming as a complete surprise to the prop and his representatives. The timing is particularly shocking, given that May’s new contract was set to officially begin on November 1st, just days after he was told he could look elsewhere.
The decision is all the more baffling considering May’s status as one of the NRL’s most sought-after forwards just months ago. The powerful prop had attracted strong interest from several clubs, including the Canterbury Bulldogs, before ultimately choosing to re-commit to the Roosters on a multi-year extension.
May’s Future Uncertain
With the Roosters’ sudden change of heart, May now finds himself in a state of limbo. The 26-year-old, who is currently in England with the Samoan national team ahead of the upcoming Pacific Championships, has been given permission to gauge interest from rival clubs while abroad.
The development has sent the NRL transfer market into a frenzy, with clubs scrambling to assess their options and determine whether May could be a valuable addition to their squads for the 2025 season and beyond. The prop’s combination of size, power, and skill makes him an attractive proposition for any team looking to bolster their forward pack.
Implications for the Roosters
For the Roosters, the decision to grant May a release raises questions about the club’s plans moving forward. The Tricolors had seemingly viewed the Samoan enforcer as a long-term replacement for veteran prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, but that succession plan now appears to be in tatters.
The Roosters’ motivations for the move remain unclear, with the club yet to provide an official statement on the matter. Some have speculated that salary cap pressures may have played a role, while others have suggested that the Roosters may be positioning themselves to make a play for off-contract stars such as ex-Dragons captain Ben Hunt.
Transfer Market Domino Effect
May’s sudden availability is likely to have a domino effect on the NRL transfer market, with clubs reassessing their roster needs and budget allocations in light of this unexpected opportunity. The prop’s future is set to be a major talking point in the coming weeks, as the November 1st transfer window opening looms large.
As clubs jockey for position and players weigh up their options, one thing is certain: the NRL’s annual transfer circus has well and truly begun. With the Roosters’ bombshell decision to cut ties with May, the scene is set for a wild off-season of player movement and contract negotiations.
The Road Ahead
For Terrell May, the focus now shifts to finding a new home for the 2025 NRL season. With his undeniable talent and potential, the prop is sure to have no shortage of suitors. The challenge for May and his management will be to find the right fit, both in terms of on-field opportunity and off-field support.
As for the Roosters, the club will need to move quickly to fill the void left by May’s impending departure. Whether that means promoting from within, scouring the transfer market for a replacement, or reshaping the squad to accommodate a new style of play, the pressure will be on the Tricolors’ coaching staff and recruitment team to adapt and evolve.
In the coming days and weeks, all eyes will be on the Roosters and May as this stunning situation continues to unfold. With the NRL’s player transfer merry-go-round in full swing, rugby league fans can expect plenty of twists, turns, and surprises as clubs and players alike navigate the ever-changing landscape of professional sport.
