Penrith Panthers may not be able to afford to re-sign Taylan May, coach Ivan Cleary says he had to watch last year’s grand final this week

Holding on to every star remains a battle for Penrith and coach Ivan Cleary concedes the club may not be able to keep strike centre Taylan May as rivals circle the young gun.

May, 22, is the highest-profile Panther off contract at the end of this year and, having missed 2023 through injury, has impressed in his two games to start 2024.

Penrith is keen to keep the Samoa international and has begun formal talks about a new deal, but other clubs could, as they did with star playmaker Jarome Luai, throw more money in his direction.

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May’s brother Terrell, who plays at the Roosters, has spoken about his desire for the pair to play together and the impending departures of Joey Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii leave them with a hole to…