'My jaw dropped': Terrell May breaks silence on 'shock' Sydney Roosters departure
Terrell May has broken his silence on the Sydney Roosters decision to cut ties with him, admitting his "jaw dropped" when he received a phone call from Trent Robinson.
The front-rower enjoyed a breakout season at Bondi, featuring in 27 games for the club and establishing himself as one of the game's best middle forwards.
May inked a two-year extension with the Roosters mid-way through the season, but during an overseas tour for Samoa, was told his services were no longer required.
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"It was a massive shock to me," May told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Terrell May during Samoa's tour of England. Getty
"He [Robinson] did his spiel and I was lost for words. I thought he was prank-calling me, to be honest. My jaw dropped. He just said they were going in a different direction.
"I didn't really digest it until a week later because I was in shock. I couldn't fathom it. I thought I did something wrong back home ... I didn't understand.
"Then I realised what the date was. It was November 1 the next day. Ben Hunt just came onto the market. I started putting two and two together."
Given the nature of May's release, which has now seen him join the Wests Tigers on a three-year contract, rumours started floating around rugby league land that there was more to the story and concerns over his attitude came to the surface.
But in a defiant response, May has hit back and explained his version of events.
Terrell May in action for the Roosters. Getty
"It got real annoying, that's why I jumped off social media," he said.
"I got sick of people assuming. I saw lots of people saying I'm a bad influence to the to the team. It's the stupidest stuff. I wanted to clear the air. I come from Mt Druitt. I'm tatted up. I've got a ratty. I dress and talk like a westie.
"I heard they let me go because they think I've reached my potential. Personally, I think I haven't even scratched the surface. That was my first full year of playing first grade.
"Now that I know I'm moving to a club that really wants me and needs me, I know I will step up. I feel I'm ready to step up and lead a forward pack."
May will join the likes of Jarome Luai, Sunia Turuva and Jack Bird at the joint venture.
