Thrust into the halves role on a whim due to injuries, Tyrone May thrived and performed well enough, impressing Penrith Panthers officials as they rewarded him with a new contract.
The new deal for May will run until the end of the 2020 season, a sign as to how much the club value him, his play and his versatility.
Although May injured himself at the back end of the 2017 season, his good form prior to that justified the new contract and he is pleased to have the opportunity to prolong his Penrith stay.
“I was always focused on staying here and I never really wanted to leave,” May said.
“When the (contract) offer came up, I just accepted and was really happy and excited.
“It’s really good that Panthers have shown faith in me even though I’ve got an injury.”
A Penrith junior, May was part of the Panthers 2015 Holden Cup premiership-winning season with five tries in his nine NRL games to date, he is a player that has impressed the coaching staff.
“Tyrone is another local junior who has been a part of the Panthers development system since he was 15 years of age,” Panthers Executive General Manager Phil Gould AM said.
“It was exciting to see him come through to NRL level last season and he acquitted himself brilliantly.
“We are grateful to have him as part of our club. I’m confident he has a long and successful career ahead.”