Wests Tigers center makes surprise future call to reject $500,000 per year

Wests Tigers centre Taylan May has reportedly turned down a contract offer from the joint-venture outfit.

May returned to the NRL in the middle of this year on a train and trial deal with the Tigers after a stint out of the game following his time at the Penrith Panthers.

The 24-year-old has been in fine form for the Tigers since making his return, fast becoming a permanent selection for coach Benji Marshall, and one of the club’s most important players.

The form led to the joint-venture offering him a three-year extension through to the end of 2028, which was believed to be worth around $500,000 per year.

The centre had turned his back on interest from the South Sydney Rabbitohs to link up with Marshall’s outfit, with the Tigers also having brother Terrell May as a starting prop.

The Sydney Morning Herald, however, are reporting that May has turned down the contract extension from the Tigers.

Instead, he wants a shorter-term deal.

That is likely to be a two-fold decision. On one hand, he believes his market value will naturally rise given his form and talent, but on the other, it’s likely he has at least one eye on what the expansion sides will do to the player market.

The Perth Bears enter the NRL in 2027, and a Papua New Guinea-based side that is yet to be named is due to enter in 2028.

It’s understood that the Tigers will present a revised, shorter offer to May, but may not move to increase the per-season value on the current offer.

It’s believed the Rabbitohs are still monitoring the situation and could move for May heading into 2026.