Troubled footy star Taylan May has opened up on some of the dark times he has experienced over the past year, admitting that he had contemplated taking his own life, but is now plotting a return to play in the NRL – and insists he is ready to play as soon as next week.
The 23-year-old had put his footy career on hold in order to focus on his mental wellbeing and admitted that checking himself into a mental health facility ‘was the best thing that could have happened to me.’
Despite not having played in the NRL since May of last year after he was stood down by Penrith, the footy now insists he is ready to return to play once again.
‘Yeah 100 per cent – I will play next week,’ he said to Channel 9, before being asked whether he felt he posed a risk to NRL clubs.
‘Not the way I am now and truly trying to be,’ he responded.
‘That’s just me being honest, I wouldn’t lie… there’s no risk, no way.’
Troubled Footy star Taylan May (pictured) has opened up on how he feels like a ‘totally different person’ after undergoing treatment for his mental health
Last year, May (centre) fronted a court, faced with charges of domestic violence, but those charges were later dropped
The former Samoa international was released by the four-time reigning premiers last year after being charged with domestic violence offences.
May pleaded not guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of stalking or intimidation intending to cause fear, as well as two counts of contravening an apprehended violence order (AVO). The charges related to an incident involving his wife on April 8.
They were later dropped and May was subsequently cleared to return to rugby league by ARLC chairman Peter V’landys.
His agent, Ahmad Merhi, revealed in April that the footy star, who is the younger brother of Terrell May and Tyrone May, had checked himself into a private facility in order to address mental health issues.
‘It was probably the best thing that could have happened for me, it opened my eyes up to a lot of things,’ May said speaking on his treatment.
‘A day in a psych ward felt like a week. Yeah man, it was good,’ he said.
‘I feel like I came out of it totally different. My mindset has changed, my beliefs have changed, and I’m a whole different person now.’
May was then asked whether he did not like the person he was before going into the psychological ward.
Following the high-profile court case, the 23-year-old centre had his contract with Penrith torn up
He replied: ‘My name was unknown in the psych ward and I was happy to come out and be unknown.
‘I just didn’t like the person that Taylan was.’
‘I got suicidal and I think that’s fair to say. It’s not a sob story, it’s how I felt.
‘I think honestly just my family and having the support of my wife and kids telling me it’s gonna be alright, I think that’s what kept me going. I couldn’t picture leaving them in this world. I brought them into this world – me and my wife – why would I leave them?
‘They need me and I haven’t done anything for them yet and I haven’t set them up.’
While May has been away from the footy pitch, he has delved into different creative outlets, focusing on producing music. It is understood he has also started taking Bible classes.
‘Anyone wanna join my Bible studies I’ll be running it every Thursday 6pm dm for location,’ he published on his social media in recent months.
‘Doesn’t matter what religion any religion, come.’
The Samoa international checked himself into a mental wellness clinic earlier this year
It is unclear what clubs would make a play for the centre, with the Wests Tigers having previously shown an interest in snapping him up
The former Penrith star had sparked some speculation that he could make a dramatic switch from playing footy to pursue a career in the music industry in recent months, rebranding himself as ‘Mayfair’ and has published clips of his tracks online.
Yet, the footy star appears to be keen to get back onto the playing field, notably to play with his brother Terrell, who currently plays prop for the Wests Tigers.
‘I’ll just put it out there, I honestly wanna play with my brother,’ he said.
‘He’s spoke about that in the media and it will be a dream come true, not just for us but for my family. Playing with him would light a bigger fire inside me.
‘You’ve got to come to reality, it’s not always gonna fall your way. If it doesn’t, I’d definitely go to another team, whoever wants me.’
May, who made his debut with the Panthers in 2021, would go on to make 30 NRL appearances for Ivan Cleary’s side and also won five caps for Samoa.
Rumours have bubbled in recent months that the Tigers were ready to explore a deal to sign the free agent.
The young footy star said he also anticipated some scrutiny from those within the NRL community but it appears he is blocking out criticism.
May has also been exploring new horizons creatively with the release of rap video teaser (pictured)
‘I don’t blame them,’ he said, when asked how he will cope with possible backlash from some in the community.
‘They get to have their opinion and everyone has their opinion about somebody.
‘You could be the nicest guy, but someone is still gonna hate you and that’s the truth.’
Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au
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