Taylan May has opened up on his mental health struggles, admitting he “always felt different” as the Tigers gun eyes an Origin debut.
The 24-year-old made his NRL debut in 2021, but has played just 37 first grade games to date, having spent the majority of the 2024 season away from rugby league.
May was charged with domestic violence offences, which were later withdrawn. The NRL’s no-fault-stand-down policy that he fell under was then lifted and he was free to return.
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His return came with the Tigers in 2025, during a year in which he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder — leading him to make a big admission.
“I always felt different. I just didn’t know what it was and when I finally got diagnosed, there’s like a relief off my shoulders,” May told reporters, including Code Sports and AAP, earlier this week.
“I see a therapist and I have my own psychologist. For me, it was a relief because when I was young my parents didn’t understand – I felt that I was the weird one.
“I take these tablets, I don’t touch anything else, but I feel like they’re working.
“My wife’s helped me a lot to be honest, she’s always known I’ve had something.
“I didn’t ever want to put a label on it because I was never into this stuff. I thought mental health was fake, but honestly now I’m checked into it I see the signs and, yeah, it’s real.”
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Before joining the Tigers and linking up with his brother Terrell, May also spent a stint in a psychiatric ward.
May signed a two-year contract with the Tigers, having first joined the club on a train-and-trial deal in June 2025.
While Terrell was a hot point of conversation when it came to NSW selections last season, this year Taylan wants to put himself in the Origin frame.
To do so, he has adopted a new diet which consists of raw milk, organic foods and fasting.
He also admitted Origin was the only rugby league game he has ever been interested in as a spectator, with NRL fixtures not peaking his interest regularly.
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“I’m just scratching the surface. I haven’t really had too many NRL games, I should have more than what I have,” May said.
“Trying to make Origin is my goal. Every kid wants to play that growing up and those were the only games I ever watched.
“When I first came in, I wanted to make Origin but obviously, what happened with my life outside of the field, I didn’t get that chance.
“I feel I can go to another level … I haven’t really got to show what I can properly do and if I play well, hopefully I get the chance to make it.”
Interestingly, both May brothers come off contract come November 1 and will be free to negotiate with rivals at the same time.
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