The Sydney Roosters have dropped a bombshell by telling prop Terrell May he has permission to leave the NRL club, just six months after re-signing the Samoan international on a two-year deal.
May was told on Thursday morning by the Roosters he could look elsewhere, despite his new contract only offically set to start on Friday.
The news is understood to have come as a surprise to those close to May, given the prop was one of the most in-demand forwards in the NRL as recently as April.
One of the Roosters' underrated middles this year, May had been pursued by rival clubs including Canterbury earlier this year.
St George Illawarra were also considered an option at the time, particularly if they could lure since-sacked Taylan May to the club from Penrith in a combo-deal.
But the front-rower ultimately signed a two-year deal with the Roosters, while being viewed as part of the club's long-term replacement for Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
By Thursday, those plans were essentially ripped apart, with May told there was every chance he could gauge interest at other clubs while in Samoan camp in England.
The move comes as the NRL's transfer market kicks into full gear ahead of November 1.
George Clarke, Scott Bailey and Jasper Bruce - AAP
