After spending his Christmas break putting himself through the pain of running his first marathon, new prop Terrell May is prepared to be an ironman and play 80 minutes in the middle for Wests Tigers.
Shown the door by the Sydney Roosters after a standout 2024 season, May has moved to Wests Tigers with ambitions of leading the club out of the NRL doldrums and earning a NSW State of Origin call-up in 2025.
Four years ago, the Samoan prop was a train-and-triallist at the Tigers before landing at the Roosters and earning a reputation as one of the most durable front-rowers in the game.
May, now back in Tigers colours under second-year coach Benji Marshall, reckons his ability to go for longer than most props is his standout quality.
The 112kg prop further underlined his physical and mental toughness by running a marathon with friends at his local athletics track.
“I didn’t prep for it and I don’t suggest anyone does that because it’s pretty tough,” May told AAP.
“I hit (a speed of) 7min40 secs (per km) which is not the best but I just wanted to complete it.
“I’m going to try and do an official one at the end of this year and get the medal to say, ‘I completed a marathon’.
“With actual prep and eating well, I’ll hopefully complete it in a better time.
“I wanted to set myself a challenge like that mentally to say, ‘Yeah I can do this stuff’.
“Training and games are still going to be hard but I feel like every time I’m in a hard moment I can think back about how running a marathon was harder.”
May believes he can translate his endurance running into long-lasting performances for the Tigers side at a time when props are increasingly used in shorter, sharper bursts.
“My motor is very good and it’s weird, I always get a second win and get better,” May said.
“When other players get tired I feel I go up a level and I want to do that this year.
“I don’t care about my stats, I just want to win. Whatever is best for the team, if he (Marshall) wants me to play 80 minutes or 20 minutes I’ll do it as long as we get the win.”
May is hopeful that if he can be the leader a “hungry and determined” young Tigers forward pack needs, then new NSW coach Laurie Daley will start to take notice.
“Last year I was close but I feel like this year I want to take my game to another level.
“Obviously that’s a goal, to strive for Origin.
“If it comes (great) but if it does or doesn’t my focus will be getting the wins for Wests Tigers.”
