The Wests Tigers have received a major boost, re-signing brothers Terrell and Taylan May until the end of 2030, amid interest from the Papua New Guinea Chiefs.
The club announced the dual re-signing on Friday amid fears the pair may follow club captain Jarome Luai in signing for the NRL’s newest franchise.
Terrell – the club’s reigning Kelly-Barnes medallist as the club’s best player – had 18 months left on his contract, while his brother Taylan was contracted until the end of 2027.
Coach Benji Marshall said the club was “so happy” to sign the pair for the long-term.
“They both bring so many things on and off the field to our club. I love who they are and what they stand for,” Marshall said.
“I’m just really pleased for our fans that they get to have Terrell and Taylan and their families here for the next four seasons.”
Sources close to the club said Terrell’s deal is worth more than $1m a season, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The brothers – who have a podcast together called the ‘Mayday’ podcast – took to social media to prank fans minutes before the official announcement was made.
“May brothers announce emotional exit! Set to leave club,” the post read.
In the video, both Terrell and Taylan look distressed.
“Obviously with the rumours going around with contract stuff, me and Tiny (Taylan) want to be transparent with all you guys and announce an opportunity has come about to play with our older brother (Luai) in PNG in 2028,” Terrell said in the video.
Taylan added he was grateful towards the club for giving him a “second chance”.
“But like Benji (Marshall) said family comes first and I felt like that was the best decision for me and my brother and our family … we’re still here until 2028,” Taylan said.
The club announced the pair’s re-signing minutes later.
On Tuesday, the PNG Chiefs announced Luai had signed a two-year deal with a player option for an extra season when they enter the competition in 2028 in what shapes as one of the biggest moves in NRL history.
“Today is a historic moment for the PNG Chiefs as we unveil Jarome Luai as the club’s first-ever signing,” Chiefs genera manager of football Michael Chammas said.
“(He’s) a four-time premiership winner, State of Origin winner, and a World Cup finalist for Samoa. A player whose profile, personality, and ability transcends the game itself.
“Signing a player of Jarome’s calibre sends an unmistakeable message to the competition – the PNG Chiefs are here, and we are serious.”
