NRL star to fight DV allegation

A rising NRL star indefinitely stood down after he was charged with allegedly punching a woman in the face and leg during an argument at a western Sydney home will fight the allegations in court.

Penrith Panthers winger Taylan May, 22, was arrested and charged earlier this month with domestic violence-related assault occasioning body harm and two counts of stalking or intimidation.

Police allege he punched a woman known to him in the face and leg during an argument at a home in Werrington in Sydney’s outer west in April, which was later reported to officers.

Mr May’s lawyer, Abdul Reslan, told Penrith Local Court on Tuesday the young footy star would fight all three charges at a court hearing which was scheduled for March of next year.

Mr Reslan said three witnesses were expected to be called by the defence during the hearing, with the police prosecutor stating officers were themselves interviewing at least a further two witnesses.

In an earlier statement, NSW Police said the 22-year-old was taken into custody at a Penrith address on May 18 “in relation to an alleged domestic violence incident that occurred last month (April)”.

Police said they were informed on April 8 that Mr May had allegedly assaulted a woman known to him during an argument at a home in Werrington, including punching her in the face and the leg.

In a statement issued on the same day as Mr May’s arrest, the Penrith Panthers said they were “aware of an alleged incident regarding player Taylan May, which has resulted in police charges”.

“Panthers has informed the NRL Integrity Unit and will co-operate throughout the process. As this is a legal matter, the club will make no further comment at this stage,” the statement said.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo later told Triple M it was “really unfortunate that we are having this conversation”, and that in light of the “pretty serious charges” had opted not to send Mr May up.

The Blacktown-born man had been due to travel to Brisbane the day after his arrest with the Penrith Panthers as they faced off with the New Zealand Warriors, but did not take part in the game.

The NRL later confirmed in a statement on Thursday that Mr May had been stood down indefinably by the league “subject to the No-Fault Stand Down condition under the NRL Rules”.

Mr May made his debut with the NRL with the Penrith Panthers during their 2021 season, before missing the 2022 NRL Grand Final and the entire 2023 NRL season due to an injury.

The 22-year-old competed with the Samoan national team during the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. In February 2024, he competed in Penrith’s World Club Challenge final loss against Wigan.

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