Panthers rising star Taylan May is reportedly on the radar of three rival clubs amid Penrith powerbroker’s attempts to keep him at the foot of the mountain.
Speaking on 100% Footy, the SMH’s Michael Chammas revealed the Panthers have tabled a deal worth $500,000 per-season to keep him at the club.
The 22-year-old is without a contract for the 2024 season, and Chammas revealed three clubs are interested in making a play for his services.
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“There are a few clubs interested and making inquiries. One of them is the Melbourne Storm, the other one is the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Roosters are having discussions internally about Taylan May,” Chammas said.
“He’s had an enormous start to the year. He was sensational for the Panthers in that Round 1 loss. (May) caught the attention of a lot of clubs playing in that centre position.
“Now the question is about what he’s worth, and given his come through the grades there and played in a Grand Final, he is part of the fabric there.
“The Panthers think they are confident of keeping him around $500,000 (per season).”
The Panthers have recently re-signed fellow centre Izack Tago on a deal worth a reported $700,000 per-season.
It’s been widely reported that Shane Flanagan is desperate to continue to recruit and strengthen his squad, while Craig Bellamy could look to replace Justin Olam.
However, the Roosters are in a strong position with their big drawcard being they are also currently negotiating a new contract with Taylan’s brother, Terrell.
The 24-year-old prop reportedly had a crunch meeting with Roosters powerbrokers on Monday to discuss his future amid reported interest from the Bulldogs.
TPJ’S POTENTIAL DOLPHINS SWITCH
Tevita Pangai Junior has fuelled further speculation over his NRL future after he was seen enjoying the Dolphins’ win over the Dragons on Sunday with club staff.
Pangai Junior walked out on a $750,000 a year deal with the Bulldogs last season to pursue a boxing career, however has since signed on with Queensland Cup team Souths Logan, playing 26 minutes off the bench in their Round 1 loss to Redcliffe.
There was noise during the pre-season that the 28-year-old would eventually link up with the Brisbane Broncos this season, and those grew louder when he signed with Souths Logan, which is a feeder club to the Broncos.
Flanagan threatens changes after loss | 03:31
However, Pangai Junior’s public outing with the Dolphins, in footage from Channel Nine, has once again sent the rumour mill into overdrive.
Pangai Junior played under now-Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett at the Brisbane Broncos, where he made his NRL debut in 2016.
According to Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould, who allowed Pangai Junior to walk at the end of last year, says the forward’s good relationship with Bennett could be a factor into where or if the 28-year-old plays at NRL level again.
“I think he went to Brisbane to be coached by Wayne Bennett and Bennett left (sacked in 2018) and I think he was disappointed in that, he’s kind of been a little bit lost since then,” Gould said on Channel Nine’s 100% Footy show.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he was going to come back to the game if Bennett would be someone he’d seek out for advice and that could lead to going there.”
Bennett has also spoke recently on Pangai Junior and whether the Dolphins are interested.
The legendary coach admitted he watched Pangai’s QLD Cup match against the Dolphins reserves.
Bennett return imminent at Souths? | 02:01
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“I saw the game as well, I wasn’t as impressed as his coach (Karmichael Hunt),” Bennett told The Courier Mail.
“I know Tevita very well, I know what he can do. He is a wonderful player and I’ve got a lot of time from him. He can play.
“There’s big opportunity and we’ve got really good balance in our cap and we’ve got money in our cap to spend on quality players – that’s what we’re trying to achieve.”
Despite the rugby league backflip, Pangai Junior still has boxing in the forefront of his mind – at least this week.
The 28-year-old is preparing for his bout against Raphael Sa’u in Ipswich on March 23.
ROOSTERS PROP SET FOR CRUNCH MEETING WITH BONDI CLUB
Roosters enforcer Terrell May will reportedly sit down with Tricolours powerbrokers on Monday as his future at the club remains uncertain.
The Daily Telegraph is reporting May ‘s management and Roosters bosses have previously held positive talks regarding an extension to remain under Trent Robinson.
However, Monday’s meeting is set to be crucial in retaining the 24-year-old who is reportedly a target of Phil Gould’s Bulldogs and at least two other clubs.
It was previously reported Canterbury-Bankstown had pulled out of the race to sign the rising star following his split with manager Matt Desira.
However, the Dogs are reportedly once again interested in his services, but will face still competition from Robinson and the Roosters.
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May is reportedly seen as the heir to Jared Warea-Hargreaves’ throne, with the Kiwi international making the move to the Super League at the season’s end.
A potential package deal that includes Terrell’s brother Taylan May, who is one of the Panthers’ best talents, was previously touted.
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Bennett “can’t explain” huge turnaround | 06:02
However, following Taylan signing with Black Money Enterprises and Terrell hiring agent David Rawlings, that move looks to be out of the equation.
The Bulldogs missed out on two high-profile middle forward targets in Siosiua Taukeiaho and Addin Fonua-Blake but have recruited Zane Tetevano, Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Jirah Momoisea.
Source Agencies
