Angus Crichton has whacked suggestions an off-field incident must have prompted the Roosters to tell gun forward Terrell May he’s free to leave despite having two years to run on his NRL contract.
It was revealed on Thursday night that the Roosters had told May, the brother of controversial former NRL players Tyrone and Taylan, that he was allowed to search for a new club despite having re-signed with the Tricolours for another two years in April.
According to Nine and Sydney Morning Herald journalist Michael Chammas, who broke the story, the Roosters believe May does not align with the direction in which the club is heading.
“I was devastated for him,” Crichton said.
“I just want to say to people that are saying it’s got to do with off-field issues and that kind of thing, just don’t judge a book before it’s been written.
“He is literally straight as an arrow. He doesn’t drink, he is a really good guy and he hasn’t done anything off the field to warrant this.
“So for people that are speculating and talking out of tongue, just stop it, and wait until the full story comes to light. He is a good person.”
Many are perplexed that the Roosters don’t want to keep the star prop, especially after the departure of champion front-rower Jared Waerea-Hargreaves who joined Super League club Hull KR following a glittering 310-match career with the Tricolours.
May was brilliant for the Roosters’ forward pack in 2024, averaging 110 metres including 40 post-contact metres per game.
The Samoan international also averaged 27 tackles per game at an efficiency of 97 per cent.
“This smells,” Roosters great Bryan Fletcher said on SEN radio.
“I don’t know [what’s happening], but you’ve got no Jared next year so they need some punch up front.
“Something’s gone on here.”
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Broncos legend Corey Parker is also confused about the Roosters’ move.
“It’s interesting because they have lost a plethora of middle forwards and some edge forwards,” Parker said on SEN radio.
“It’ll be interesting to see what unfolds there.
“I’ve got no doubt Terrell May will get snapped up quickly; he’s a very mobile, effective and big middle forward.”
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