Taylan May’s Bold Ambition: Chasing Origin Glory with a New Lifestyle
Taylan May is not just aiming for a strong season with the Wests Tigers; he’s setting his sights firmly on a coveted New South Wales State of Origin jersey. This ambitious goal comes less than a year after he was plucked from relative obscurity, having been sidelined by the NRL scrapheap. The 24-year-old centre, who arrived at the Tigers as a free agent midway through last season, is embracing a transformative lifestyle centered around raw milk, therapy, and regular fasting, believing these changes are the key to unlocking his full potential.
May’s journey to the Tigers was turbulent. He was released by his junior club, the Penrith Panthers, following domestic violence-related charges. Fortunately for May, these charges were later dropped, paving the way for his new chapter in rugby league. Despite the challenging circumstances of his arrival, May made an immediate impact, scoring four tries in seven appearances for the Tigers in the latter half of last season. Now, with a full pre-season under his belt and a renewed focus, he feels he’s only just begun to scratch the surface of what he can achieve.
“I’m just scratching the surface,” May stated candidly. “I haven’t really had too many NRL games, I should have more than what I have. Trying to make Origin is my goal. Every kid wants to play that growing up and those were the only games I ever watched. When I first came in, I wanted to make Origin but obviously, what happened with my life outside of the field, I didn’t get that chance. I feel I can go to another level… I haven’t really got to show what I can properly do and if I play well, hopefully I get the chance to make it.”
The competition for a spot in the NSW State of Origin side is notoriously fierce, with established stars like Stephen Crichton and Latrell Mitchell already in the mix. However, May remains undeterred, exuding a quiet confidence in his abilities. “Yeah, they (NSW) are (stacked),” he acknowledged. “But you’d be stupid not to have that confidence in yourself. If you put your mind to it you can achieve anything.”
Tackling Mental Health: A Turning Point for May
Beyond the physical demands of professional rugby league, May has been on a profound journey of self-discovery and mental resilience. His undeniable talent was evident during his regular appearances for the Panthers in 2022, but off-field struggles began to take their toll. These challenges ultimately led him to seek professional help, culminating in a bipolar diagnosis last year.
This diagnosis, rather than being a source of distress, has been a significant relief for May. He describes a lifelong feeling of being different, a sense he struggled to articulate until receiving a formal diagnosis. “I always felt different. I just didn’t know what it was and when I finally got diagnosed, there’s like a relief off my shoulders,” he shared.
May is now actively engaged in his mental health care, working with a therapist and a dedicated psychologist. He reflects on how this has impacted his younger years, where his parents’ lack of understanding amplified his feelings of being an outlier. “I see a therapist and I have my own psychologist. For me, it was a relief because when I was young my parents didn’t understand – I felt that I was the weird one.” He credits his medication and the unwavering support of his wife for his progress. “I take these tablets, I don’t touch anything else, but I feel like they’re working. My wife’s helped me a lot to be honest, she’s always known I’ve had something.”
May admits to a past skepticism regarding mental health discussions. “I didn’t ever want to put a label on it because I was never into this stuff. I thought mental health was fake, but honestly now I’m checked into it I see the signs and, yeah, it’s real.” This newfound understanding and acceptance have become a cornerstone of his personal and professional development.
Fueling the Body and Mind: May’s Dietary Revolution
May’s commitment to his mental wellbeing is intrinsically linked to his evolving dietary habits. He has become a staunch advocate for avoiding processed foods, which he claims trigger “mad belly pains,” and has embraced regular fasting as a strategy to maintain peak physical condition.
The benefits, he asserts, are palpable both physically and mentally. “Physically and mentally you can tell the difference,” May explained. “I try and get raw milk and get everything organically. Just stay off that processed stuff… I found heaps of benefits.”
This dietary shift isn’t entirely new for May. He first implemented these changes when recovering from an ACL injury, a period during which he experienced unprecedented levels of fitness. He has now revisited this approach, finding it instrumental in his current preparation. “I jumped on it when I did my ACL and I was the fittest I’ve ever been and I’ve jumped on it again now and it’s been helping me.”
By integrating these lifestyle changes, Taylan May is not only seeking to overcome past challenges but is actively building a foundation for future success. His determination to reach the pinnacle of representative football, coupled with his commitment to holistic wellbeing, paints a compelling picture of a player ready to make a significant mark on the NRL and beyond.
