Panthers winger Taylan May is suing the NRL club, alleging their attempt to terminate his contract is unlawful.
The player’s legal fight was this week adjourned with an injunction until next month in the Federal Court.
May was stood down by the NRL after he was charged with domestic violence offences earlier this year. He’s pleaded not guilty.
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May was first served with a show cause notice late last month over several alleged breaches during his time at the club.
May was then asked to attend a meeting with Penrith’s board, before a second show cause notice was served to him two days later asking him to front the board again.
The centre was told earlier this month he would only be paid out the remainder of this year’s contract if sacked.
May recently extended his contract with the club, with the deal reportedly valued at $1.2 million for 2025 and 2026.
May’s legal team alleges the club breached employment law by sending him a second show-cause notice, because of complaints he made in the initial board meeting.
His defence states the 22-year-old should not be asked to answer questions in regards to his ongoing criminal case, where he denies claims he punched his wife in the face during an argument.
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“If (Penrith) is permitted to proceed as contemplated by the second show cause notice and related correspondence, then May will be faced with the invidious choice of either exercising his common law right to silence, in which case May’s employment is likely to be terminated … Or answering (Penrith’s) questions, thereby “fundamentally alter(ing) the accusatorial judicial process” May’s legal team said in a statement to the court.
May will seek damages from the club, claiming he suffered loss as a result of having to defend himself against Penrith’s actions and there would be further reputational damage if his contract is terminated.
Penrith has already moved on from May on the field, signing Wests Tigers outside back Asu Kepaoa when May was stood down.