The Sydney Roosters have granted prop Terrell May a licence to split from the club with immediate effect.
According to Nine and Sydney Morning Herald journalist Michael Chammas, the club has granted May permission to join a rival club for next season.
Having only signed a two-year contract extension with the Roosters in April, the club wishes to part ways immediately.
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Sources with knowledge of the situation told the Herald on the condition of anonymity that the Roosters feel that May no longer fits into its plans for the future.
May has been an impressive find for the Tricolours since making his NRL debut less than two years ago, his size and power through the middle of the field complementing the team’s stars in the backline.
This season, May emerged as a genuine State of Origin smokey for the Blues, averaging 110 running metres and 28 tackles at a phenomenal 98 per cent efficiency across his 27 appearances.
It was thought the front-rower would serve as the long-term successor to the now-departed Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in 2025.
May is currently in the United Kingdom representing Samoa in its two-Test series against England.
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He was not expected at pre-season training until closer to the new year but could now not return to the Roosters at all after the 25-year-old reportedly told his Samoan teammates that he could be leaving the club.
The towering enforcer will likely receive ample interest from rival clubs.
Before re-signing, the Bulldogs showed interest in May, along with brothers Tyrone and Taylan, but pulled their offer after a dispute with management.
Alongside Canterbury, several NRL clubs are on the lookout for front-rowers, including Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra.
May’s potential release comes a day after Ben Hunt and the Dragons mutually agreed to part ways before the Eels released Clint Gutherson effective immediately.