Tigers sign Samoa international
It has been close to a month since the Roosters informed May that he was surplus to requirements at the Sydney Football Stadium. Since then, there has been endless speculation about where the Samoa international would play next. We now know.
On Monday afternoon, the Roosters released a statement, confirming the reports that May has been given permission to sign with another club. The statement announced his official release from his Sydney contract.
Just hours later, the Tigers released their own statement, announcing that they had signed May.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity, and I can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season,” said May in the statement.
“This is a club with a very bright future, and I want to be a big part of that future. I know quite a few of the boys really well and they all speak fondly of the club and its people,” he added.
Head coach Benji Marshall said he was thrilled with the new signing.
“Terrell is a good person first and foremost, and it’s great that he will be joining us. He’s coming off an impressive season, and at 25, his best years are ahead of him.
“I look forward to welcoming Terrell and his family to our club,” the former halfback said.
Sydney’s shock decision
May was the only Roosters player to feature in all 27 NRl league matches for the club last season. He also signed a two-year extension with Sydney just six months ago. This is why so many were shocked that the club were willing to let him go now.
While no one knows for sure why the Roosters have decided to let him go, the consensus opinion is that the club have too many forwards and need to free up salary cap space.
May has insisted that his exit has nothing to do with any off-the-field issues. The announcement from the club makes it seem like May is telling the truth.
“Terrell is not only a talented footballer, but also a good person,” Roosters Head of Recruitment, Daniel Anderson, said.
“We would like to thank him for his contribution to the Club. Terrell will always remain part of our Sydney Roosters family, and he leaves with our very best wishes for the future,” he added.
Massive boost to Wooden Spoon winners
Whatever the reason behind Sydney’s decision to let May go, their loss is the Tigers’ gain.
Wests finished last in the ladder last season under rookie head coach Benji Marshall. This was their third straight year winning the Wooden Spoon. If the Tiger win it again next season, they will be the first club since 1961 to be Wooden Spooners four years consecutively.
Marshall and the Tigers are hoping that May can help them avoid this dubious honour. However, the betting sites still need to be convinced that Wests will actually do something worthwhile this season.
PlayUp gives the Tigers second-worst NRL betting odds to win the 2025 NRL Premiership behind the St. George Illawarra Dragons. Most other betting apps have the Dragons and the Tigers as the most likely winners of the 2025 Wooden Spoon.
Roosters, meanwhile–who made the shock decision to let go of Terrell May–are strong candidates to qualify for the finals series and to contend for the Premiership in 2025.
