Tigers coach Benji Marshall has defended new recruit Terrell May over his comments regarding his desire to play that were speculated as the reason for his Roosters exit.
Watch every ball of Australia v India LIVE & ad-break free during play in 4K on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer >
May admitted in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, that he sometimes struggled for motivation to play and actually quit the sport twice.
IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
“I gave it away twice when I was 18 and when I was 20,” May said.
“Both times I just didn’t want to play anymore. I get like that throughout the year sometimes as well.”
Now 25, the late bloomer has scored seven tries in 57 NRL games since his debut in 2022 at the Roosters.
May was released by the Roosters months after signing a big money extension with the club leading to speculation as to the reasons for the abrupt turn around.
One theory was that the Roosters were trying to create salary cap space to lure Ben Hunt to the club, but he has since signed with the Broncos.
MORE NRL NEWS
CRAWLEY: Why Hunt salary must spark change; Big-name trio on Bennett’s radar
‘IT WASN’T PRETTY’: Hunt defends commitment to Dragons amid ‘messy’ exit
‘GOT BETTER PLAYERS’: Flanagan’s defiant Dragons claim despite loss of two stars
While the Roosters have not publicly said that May’s interview was the reason for his release, it is reasonable to suggest that it played a part in their decision.
May has since signed a three-year deal with the Tigers and is focused on turning the club around after three straight wooden spoons.
Marshall believes May was taken out of context and has no doubt about his commitment to the Tigers’ cause, while he commended him for his honesty.
“He was here playing reserve grade when I was playing,” Marshall said.
Saifiti keen to be inform again | 01:36
“There was this fake thing around that he didn’t want to play footy.
“I think what he said was misinterpreted – he is actually a guy who has normal feelings like everyone else and said that sometimes it’s hard, which I admire him for.
“At the end of the day, when I sat down with him he was fully committed to getting us out of where we are and wanted to be a part of it and we’re happy he’s coming to us.”
Marshall himself had his commitment to coaching questioned during his first season in charge at the Tigers after he took a mid-season trip to Fiji.
Marshall has been vocal in putting his family first before footy and encourages his players to do the same.
Given the amount of work it takes to be successful in the NRL, his unique approach has divided opinion, but Marshall stands by his family first ethos.
“You’ve got to understand, it’s all good and well saying values out loud, but if you’re not living it then the players see through that,” Marshall said.
Hunt to sign two-year deal with Broncos | 00:35
“I’ve made no secret that in my life, family comes before footy and it’s just how it is for me.
“I say it to all the players, they see me live that and I encourage them as well.
“When you finish footy, you have only got your family and you can’t lose sight of that.”
May is the latest star signing in a huge recruitment drive for the club under Marshall joining the likes of Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva from the Panthers, Jack Bird from the Dragons and Royce Hunt from the Sharks.
Discussion about this post