Tigers Prop Claims NRL Blacklisting Over Family Name
Wests Tigers prop Terrell May has ignited a firestorm within the National Rugby League (NRL) with a series of startling accusations, suggesting his family has been deliberately excluded from the organisation’s official social media platforms. May also went on to claim that his surname itself is a barrier to his selection for the prestigious New South Wales State of Origin team.
These controversial statements emerged during an appearance on former NRL player Josh Mansour’s podcast, Unscripted, where the outspoken forward detailed his frustrations. The 27-year-old’s comments have cast a shadow over his ongoing omission from the NSW Blues squad, a topic that garnered significant attention last year and appears to be a recurring theme this season. Despite being in formidable form for the Tigers in the early stages of the previous NRL season, May was notably overlooked for Blues selection by coach Laurie Daley and his advisory panel.
This snub followed a peculiar incident on the streaming platform Twitch, where May was heard telling a viewer, “You know that Blues jersey I bought you? Chuck it in the bin,” and adding, “Might have to switch my allegiance.” This live stream segment was swiftly clipped and circulated across social media platforms, just days before Daley announced his Origin I squad, which did not include May.
While Daley did subsequently meet with May to discuss his non-selection, the front-rower maintains that this was the last communication he had with the Blues coach or any representative from NSW Rugby League.
“Last year it really affected me, but this year I’m content because I didn’t expect to make it,” May revealed on Unscripted. “You know how some players get the call like, ‘you need to work on this in your game to be selected’… the only time I’ve got feedback was when I met with him last year after game one, when I said that stupid thing. This year nothing. Couldn’t even make the 50-man (emerging Blues) squad, I’m just wondering what I need to improve to try tap into that space. Obviously everyone wants to play Origin in their career but yeah, I just got no feedback from anyone.”
May expressed his concern that the Twitch incident, coupled with the notoriety of his family name, may have irrevocably damaged his chances of ever representing the Blues. His older brother, Tyrone, and younger brother, Taylan, have both faced negative publicity in the past and were subsequently released by the Penrith Panthers due to off-field issues. Tyrone departed the Panthers in 2021 and has not featured in the NRL since, while Taylan was cut in 2024, spent time away from the sport, and was later offered a lifeline by the Tigers last year.
The May Family Name and its NRL Shadow
Interestingly, Terrell May himself has never been involved in any legal trouble. However, he was inexplicably released by the Sydney Roosters in 2024 with minimal explanation before also finding his way to the Tigers.
Terrell and Taylan currently co-host a podcast titled MAYDAY, and both brothers maintain a strong presence across various social media platforms. It is on these platforms that Terrell claims he has been informed that individuals within the NRL are actively discouraging the brothers from appearing on official channels.
“The whole perception of the May last name, I don’t want to make it an excuse but everyone knows it bro. Our last name’s very demoralised (sic) in the NRL space,” May stated. “People have reached out to me saying the NRL don’t approve mine and Tiny’s (Taylan’s) stuff on social media, they won’t post you, they’re not allowed to, all this kind of stuff. I’ve got a few messages from people in that space telling me they’re not allowed to post (videos of) your tries, not allowed to post you guys on the app and stuff, and I’m like bro, how political is this stuff. That’s a whole other story. I don’t want to use it as an excuse, but everyone runs down my last name.”
NRL Denies Blacklisting Allegations
When approached for comment by Nine.com.au regarding May’s assertions, the NRL categorically denied the accusations. The league pointed to several recent instances where both Terrell and Taylan May have featured on official NRL social media channels, effectively refuting the claims of a blanket ban. A review by Nine.com.au confirmed multiple appearances of both brothers on NRL social media platforms throughout the current season alone.
Meanwhile, coach Laurie Daley is expected to announce his NSW Blues squad for Origin II either on Monday night or the following Tuesday. The unfolding drama surrounding Terrell May’s comments is sure to add an intriguing subplot to the lead-up to the next State of Origin clash.
