Penrith Panthers rugby league centre Taylan May has been arrested in relation to an alleged domestic violence incident which occurred last month.
The club issued a statement on Saturday afternoon, as the NRL premiers were preparing to fly to Brisbane to take part in the code’s high profile Magic Round event.
“Penrith Panthers are aware of an alleged incident regarding player Taylan May, which has resulted in police charges,” the statement said. “Panthers has informed the NRL Integrity Unit and will cooperate throughout the process.
“As this is a legal matter, the club will make no further comment at this stage.”
The 22-year-old May is a Panthers junior and Samoan international who recovered from a serious knee injury last year to emerge as a key piece of the premiers’ backline this season.
NSW police confirmed a 22-year-old man at an address at Penrith was arrested on Saturday morning, “in relation to an alleged domestic violence incident which occurred last month”.
“Police were told about 9pm on Monday 8 April 2024, the man allegedly assaulted a woman known to him during an argument. It is alleged he punched her in the face and leg.
“The man was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV), and two counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (DV).
“The man was granted conditional bail to appear before Penrith Local Court on Tuesday 28 May 2024.”
May’s arrest comes midway through the NRL’s Magic Round, the showpiece weekend on the Australian rugby league calendar. An NRL spokesman confirmed on Saturday that the Integrity Unit is aware of the matter and is liaising with the Panthers and NSW Police.
Panthers halfback Jarome Luai said the allegations, and May’s absence, would not derail the team’s bid for a fourth-straight premiership.
“We’re all professionals here and we’ll deal with that tomorrow out there on the field, and we’ll let our footy do the talking,” he said at Brisbane airport.
Lock Isaah Yeo declined to comment on the allegations, but said the team “certainly do” need depth in their bid to win the competition.
Yeo said he had faith in replacement centre Paul Alamoti, who has played three games in the backline this year. “Every time he’s come in, he’s done a great job for us, so I look forward to seeing that this week as well.”
May has been stood down from the Penrith side to play the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday.
Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html
