Penrith star Taylan May has been charged in relation to a domestic violence incident in which he allegedly punched a woman in the face.
May, named to play in the centres for the Panthers’ Magic Round clash against the Warriors on Sunday, has been granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear before Penrith Local Court on May 28.
“About 5am today (Saturday 18 May 2024), officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command arrested a 22-year-old man at an address at Penrith, in relation to an alleged domestic violence incident which occurred last month,” NSW Police said in a statement.
Taylan May is facing domestic violence charges.Credit: Getty
“Police were told about 9pm on Monday 8 April 2024, the man allegedly assaulted a woman known to him during an argument at a home in Werrington. It is alleged he punched her in the face and leg.
“The man was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV), and two counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (DV).
“The man was granted conditional bail to appear before Penrith Local Court on Tuesday 28 May 2024.”
The NRL has been contacted for comment.
“Penrith Panthers are aware of an alleged incident regarding player Taylan May, which has resulted in police charges,” the club said in a statement.
“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.”
May escaped sanction for a separate incident in which he posted video of a friend driving at 96km/h in a school zone. Speaking to this masthead earlier this month, May said he had learnt from the incident.
“I’ve put myself in other people’s shoes,” May said at the time. “I was in the car, but I wasn’t driving – I can’t say who was driving.
“I didn’t think there was [much in it], but that’s the world we live in. We’re high-profile [NRL players], so any little thing [becomes a story]. I heard I was under investigation, but I didn’t read into it much.
“I’m back on social media now. I needed a reset. I’ll do it here and there. I’ll probably do it again. I don’t like to see all the negative stuff. I know that’s what comes with it.”
It’s not the first time a member of the May family has made headlines after an off-field incident. Older brother Tyrone May was sacked for a post-grand final social media post in 2021, which was interpreted as him being vindicated following a sex-tape scandal that embroiled the club.
The latest incident is the third this week, at a time when the game is celebrating Magic Round in Brisbane. The NRL is aware of sexual assault allegations levelled against a Queensland-based NRL player, while former Tigers and Bulldogs playmaker Brandon Wakeham has been charged with drugs supply offences.
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