Terrell May Joins Wests Tigers on $2M Deal, Impacting Bateman

In a significant development for the NRL, Terrell May, sibling of Hull KR playmaker Tyrone May, has signed a lucrative three-year contract with the Wests Tigers valued at around $2 million. This signing represents a major turning point in May’s career following his unexpected departure from the Sydney Roosters and introduces new uncertainties regarding England star John Bateman's future with the team.

During his impressive 2023 season, Terrell May emerged as a pivotal forward for the Sydney Roosters, securing a desirable position as the 14th player, or ‘Impact Player’, in the NRL Dream Team. His strong performances, along with a standout display for Samoa against England, bolstered his status as one of the league’s promising talents. However, in spite of his on-field achievements, May was unexpectedly let go by the Roosters, allegedly due to worries regarding his attitude—a criticism mirrored in the media, leaving fans and analysts bewildered.

Unfazed by past challenges, May's new contract with the Wests Tigers not only secures his immediate prospects but also prompts inquiries about the team's changing roster strategy. Following shortly after Jarome Luai's substantial deal, the Tigers' reported expenditure nearing $4 million per year seems to contradict previous efforts to release players and achieve financial balance. Nevertheless, May's undeniable skill may have been too attractive for head coach Benji Marshall to disregard.

The signing of May at the Tigers significantly impacts John Bateman's role within the team. Bateman, a notable English international player, has been embroiled in a lengthy transfer saga due to an alleged conflict with Marshall earlier this season. This disagreement resulted in Bateman being temporarily loaned to Warrington Wolves, yet his future with the Wests Tigers continues to be a matter of dispute.

Recent updates indicate that the Tigers are keen to move on from Bateman, and the player appears to share a similar sentiment regarding his return. Journalist Michael Carayannis characterized the situation as “messy,” highlighting the disconnect between both sides. “The Tigers don’t want John Bateman to come back, and Bateman doesn’t have a strong desire to return to the club,” Carayannis shared with SEN Radio. This impasse has also involved the Rugby League Players Association, which backs Bateman's decision to postpone his pre-season training until after Christmas.

In a twist to the situation, Bateman is rumored to be considering a transfer to the Manly Sea Eagles. However, the Sea Eagles need to create roster space before they can proceed with this move, a challenge they have yet to address. Currently, Bateman's two years remaining on his contract with the Tigers, along with the club's recent spending on May, make his ongoing role within Wests' salary cap increasingly difficult to sustain.