Wests Tigers Face More Injuries as Taylan May’s Season in Doubt
The Wests Tigers are already struggling with a lack of players, but the situation could worsen after centre Taylan May suffered another injury that might end his season. The player, who made a comeback from a layoff during the middle of 2025, has been a consistent starter for the Tigers since returning. However, he re-injured his shoulder during the club’s heavy defeat to the Manly Sea Eagles and is now expected to miss a significant portion of the season.
This is the same shoulder that he previously injured, and scans may reveal that a reconstruction surgery is necessary. “Not good, I think it dislocated again, he will have to get a scan, but it could be the season,” said head coach Benji Marshall during his post-match press conference.
To compensate for May’s potential absence, the Tigers may look to include Jeral Skelton in their lineup, with Sunia Turuva possibly moving back into the centres. This adds to the team’s challenges, as Jock Madden also suffered a hamstring injury against the Sea Eagles.
With halfback Adam Doueihi already sidelined, this could create an opportunity for Latu Fainu to start the next set of games for the joint-venture in the halves. Marshall expressed hope that several players would return alongside the suspended Apisai Koroisau after the club’s bye next weekend.
“We get Api back next week, Jahream [Bula] is a chance, Heamasi [Makasini] could be back in the frame, and probably a couple more there too, but having the bye is the first start, have a bit of time off, reset and start again,” Marshall added.
A return for Bula in Round 13 would be about two weeks ahead of schedule, but Doueihi will still be joined on the sideline by Samuela Fainu at the very least. The Tigers expect Alex Twal’s absence to be only a week long after he was a late withdrawal from the Manly clash due to a knee problem.
Marshall’s side, which has lost three consecutive matches, aims to turn things around after their bye when they face the struggling Canterbury Bulldogs at Parramatta on May 30.
Key Players and Potential Lineup Changes
- Taylan May: Suffered a re-injury to his shoulder, potentially ending his season.
- Jeral Skelton: Could be included in the lineup to replace May.
- Sunia Turuva: Might move back into the centres.
- Jock Madden: Injured his hamstring against the Sea Eagles.
- Adam Doueihi: Already sidelined, creating an opening for Latu Fainu.
- Apisai Koroisau: Suspended, but expected to return after the bye.
- Jahream Bula: Possible return in Round 13, ahead of schedule.
- Samuela Fainu: Will remain on the sideline with Doueihi.
- Alex Twal: Expected to be out for only a week due to a knee issue.
Looking Ahead for the Tigers
The Wests Tigers are facing a tough period with multiple injuries affecting their squad. However, the team is looking to use the bye week as an opportunity to regroup and prepare for the upcoming matches. With some players expected to return, the coaching staff is optimistic about improving their performance.
The next challenge for the Tigers will be against the Canterbury Bulldogs, a team that has also struggled this season. This match presents an opportunity for the Tigers to regain momentum and show improvement after their recent losses.
As the team works through these challenges, the focus will be on maintaining a strong team spirit and making the most of the available players. The coming weeks will be crucial for the Tigers as they aim to bounce back and secure better results in the remaining part of the season.
