Penrith's Taylan May has been subjected to the NRL's no-fault stand down condition after being charged with domestic violence offences for an alleged incident with his wife in April.
"May has been charged with three domestic violence related offences, following an alleged incident on Monday, April 8, 2024," the NRL noted in a brief press release.
May is now facing an uncertain future in the game with the 22-year-old due to fight the charges in court next year.
The Sporting News has all the latest on the alleged incident involving Taylan May.
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Taylan May stood down by the NRL for alleged domestic violence incident
"The Penrith Panthers have been informed by the NRL that Taylan May has been stood down as part of the NRL’s no-fault stand down policy," the club noted after the NRL issued their player with a no-fault stand down condition.
"The club will continue to provide support to all parties involved and will not make any further comment at this time."
The NRL's automatic no-fault stand down policy applies to incidents that carry a maximum penalty of 11 years or more.
Yet while the current charges against May have a maximum penalty of less than 11 years, the NRL can use discretionary power to intervene and stand down a player from their competition, which is precisely what they have elected to do in May's case.
Will Penrith Panthers' Taylan May play again this season?
After appearing in court earlier this month, May's lawyer, Abdul Reslan, stated that his client would fight the charges levelled against him after he pleaded not guilty.
A court hearing was then scheduled for March 2025, meaning May will be sidelined at least until that point in time due to the NRL's no-fault stand down condition.
"We already said I’m not going to mention it," Ivan Cleary said in a press conference following May's court appearance.
"I’m not going to talk about it."
"How many times do I have to say it?" Cleary stressed after fielding another question about May's future.
"I’m not talking about it."
What charges is Taylan May facing?
In a statement provided to foxsports.com.au by NSW Police, May will face three charges for the alleged domestic violence incident with his wife.
This includes:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV)
- Two counts of stalk/intimidate, intend to fear, physical harm etc (DV)
"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," the statement read.
"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)."
When will Taylan May face court?
After being arrested, May was granted conditional bail and appeared before Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, 28 May.
His wife Jessica has lodged an Apprehended Violence Order application against him.
Following that hearing where he pleaded not guilty, a new hearing was scheduled for March of next year.
What has Penrith said about the alleged incident?
The Panthers released the following statement about the domestic violence allegations in the immediate aftermath of the situation:
"Penrith Panthers are aware of an alleged incident regarding player Taylan May, which has resulted in police charges,'" the statement read.
"The Panthers have informed the NRL Integrity Unit and will cooperate throughout the process."
