Ex-Rooster star speaks up about shock club exit

One of Toa Sāmoa’s front rowers recently shared the shocking news he received just days before the team’s second test match against England.

Twenty-three-year-old Tyrell May was under contract with the Roosters until 2026 but was informed that he was no longer in the club’s plans.

“I was in shock, and I was just thinking the worst of the worst. What did I do wrong, is there something I did wrong?” May said in the Bye Round with James Graham Podcast.

May said during an appearance on the podcast that Sydney Roosters Head Coach Trent Robinson called to inform him of the decision.

“I just wanted to know the reason, like the reason I got didn’t add up to me. I see people say he must have done this or that, but the honest truth is, I don’t know.

“Nothing was said or mentioned during the whole year, and getting a phone call two days before our second game in England.”

May referenced all the positive thoughts he had about the club and its progress, saying, “I was thinking of all the good things (like) I’m so happy for you, you’ve done the club proud. But it was a whole 180 of what I thought.”

Photo/Toa Samoa media.

He signed a two-year extension with the Roosters in April, but after receiving the news, he instructed his manager to find a club that “wants” him.

May signed with the Wests Tigers shortly after.

“My mindset as soon as I got off the phone straight away was ‘oh yeah sweet, I’m not gonna stay then if you’re gonna move me on’.”

Toa Sāmoa Assistant Coach Willie Poching, who is a host of Pacific Grandstand on 531pi, reflected on his initial reaction when he learned about May’s situation.

“My initial thoughts was I was devastated for Terrell. He was obviously dejected and down, and he’s normally a really lively character, a lovely kid.

“On this particular day, he was pretty quiet, there are a few players he’s close with that were pretty guarded as well. And when I got the information back to me and said what had happened, I was shocked about it all.

“He was guttered by it all, and I understand because, in the immediate, you’re unsure about what your next move is.”

Poching, who has over 300 caps as a player and coach in professional rugby league, said these situations could be challenging for players.

“A lot of the times you know when something is going to happen," said Poching.

"The clubs either made some moves in your position, or your form is worrisome. You know most of the time when a move like this is coming.

“It’s when it comes out of the blue like this, you question everything that’s going on. One of the things I felt sorry for him were the rumours that were circulating about why the Roosters came up with the decision.

“A lot were to do with his character, he done something off the field. But there was nothing, none of that.

"He had family asking him, press asking him, so much going on and it came about it was a rugby league move from the Roosters' behalf.”

Poching said he was disappointed regarding the timing of the news, which was announced on 1 November, a significant date for NRL transfers.

“It was a couple of days before our second test against England, and Terrell is a significant part of our team.

“We had to get him in the right headspace, and this wasn’t helpful to our preparation and, most of all, to Terrell’s preparation.”

Despite the circumstances, Poching praised May for how he handled the situation.

“The champion that he is, he got his head around it, got the boots on, prepped well and went out and did his best on that weekend.

“And I’m so happy he’s sorted himself out, a good deal at the Tigers. He deserves to be happy.”