Terrell May’s Journey and Ambitions
A year after being overlooked for a State of Origin debut, Terrell May is determined to prove himself as a top-tier player. He believes he is playing better than he did 12 months ago and is eager to showcase his skills as a potential replacement for Payne Haas.
May, a Samoan international, was one of the standout props in the early rounds of last season after moving to Wests Tigers. However, he didn’t receive a call-up from NSW coach Laurie Daley as the Blues lost the series 2-1. The prop expressed his frustration about the snub on an online gaming platform before meeting with Daley. The pair later cleared the air, and May is now in the frame for future squad selections.
The 26-year-old has shown no signs of second-season syndrome this season, averaging 161m per game. His performance could further strengthen his case for an Origin debut if he helps the Tigers (5-2) defeat a Cronulla forward pack featuring Addin Fonua-Blake at Shark Park on Sunday.
“I feel like I’m playing better than I was last year,” May told AAP. “We’re winning more games, and that’s off the back of the whole team. I feel like even my game has picked up a lot from last year.”
As bad as it sounds, May isn’t really focused on Origin right now. Instead, he’s concentrating on improving every day and doing what’s best for the Tigers.
Daley will announce his squad for the May 27 series opener after Magic Round. May and Fonua-Blake, who is available for NSW for the first time due to a change in Origin eligibility rules, are both durable, metre-eating front-rowers who can offload.
With Broncos’ Payne Haas missing game one due to a knee injury, Daley needs a prop with a big motor who can help the Blues reclaim the series.
“Payne’s a really good friend of mine, and I didn’t like seeing him go down,” May said. “I don’t want to be picked because of injuries. I want to be picked because I’m the best player in my position.”
A Strong Start to the Season
May has been one of the Tigers’ best players this season, and he credits his strong start to a change in diet. He also praised coach Benji Marshall’s hard-nosed approach, which has put the Tigers on a path that could end the NRL’s longest-running finals drought.
“I’m really locking in to be honest, every single day and following an animal-based diet,” May said. “For about five months, I’ve not had a cheat meal so I can get my body right each week, because last year I was disappointed in my back end of the season. This year, I’m just trying to lock in all the way.”
Everyone talks about Benji as this chilled guy, but he’s far from it. He’s very switched on and knows what he needs to get the best out of us.
Looking Ahead
May’s focus remains on improving his performance and contributing to the Tigers’ success. His dedication to his training and diet has helped him maintain a high level of play throughout the season.
As the NRL season progresses, May continues to work on his game, aiming to prove himself as a worthy candidate for the Origin squad. His determination and commitment have not gone unnoticed, and he is ready to take on any challenge that comes his way.
With the upcoming series opener approaching, May is eager to show that he is more than capable of stepping into the spotlight and making a significant impact. His journey from being overlooked to becoming a key player for the Tigers highlights his resilience and passion for the game.
May’s story serves as an inspiration to many young athletes, demonstrating that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. As he continues to push himself and his team, the future looks bright for both the Tigers and Terrell May.
