Rookie Penrith winger Taylan May will miss the opening two rounds of next year after being banned for his Sunshine Coast assault – but will be free to play in the NRL finals.
The NRL on Tuesday handed down its punishment for May who was found guilty of assault last week.
Taylan May has been a standout for the Panthers in his rookie season.Credit:NRL Photos
The incident took place during last year’s premiership celebrations, with CCTV footage capturing May dragging an 18-year-old to the ground from behind because he had taken video footage of superstar teammate Nathan Cleary.
May was found guilty of assault occasioning bodily harm by Maroochydore Magistrates Court, with the magistrate labelling May’s act “cowardly”.
Rather than suspend him from Friday’s clash with Parramatta, the NRL opted to delay the ban until next year.
“In proposing the timing of the match suspension, the NRL considered a number of factors including when the incident took place, the date at which the proceedings were finalised and the impact of a match suspension at this time of year,” the NRL said in a statement.
“It is proposed the fine and education requirements be effective immediately.”
May has five business days to respond to the breach notice.
The youngster has been excellent for the premiers in his first full year in first grade, and forged a potent left-edge combination with his good friend Izack Tago.
Co-captain Isaah Yeo told the Herald on Monday about May: “He’s happy it’s all done now, I know as a group it hasn’t been a concern whatsoever, and I’m just happy for him nothing major came out of it. It’s all been put to bed and he doesn’t have to worry about it again. There was no conviction and he can move on.”
