Penrith Panthers star Taylan May will fight domestic-violence allegations that he punched his wife in the face and later stalked her.
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The 22-year-old NRL centre pleaded not guilty to three domestic violence-related charges when he appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday.
Sidelined under the NRL's no-fault stand-down policy until his court case concludes, May's season is now likely over with the next hearing set for March 2025.
AAP has been told Penrith will likely be granted salary cap dispensation from the NRL for the remainder of the year.
That will allow the club to sign a like-for-like replacement for May, if they are able to find a suitable outside back.
May has not played since he was was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of stalking or intimidating another person with the intention of causing them to fear physical or mental harm earlier this month.
He allegedly assaulted Jessica May by punching her in the face during an altercation on the night of April 8.
May was arrested more than a month later after allegedly stalking or intimidating her during the night.
The rising rugby league star was granted bail before his initial appearance at Penrith Local Court, where he sat clutching rosary beads as he watched lawyer Abdul Reslan stand in his defence.
May said "no comment" to reporters waiting outside court after he formally entered a not-guilty plea to the charges.
The Penrith star could still continue to receive full pay for the duration of the court proceedings under the no-fault stand-down policy's rules.
May recently signed a two-year extension at Penrith Panthers worth close to $1.5 million, a deal that hangs in the balance with the pending case.
Following his arrest, the Panthers said in a statement that the club would "continue to provide support to all parties involved".
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary on Tuesday refused to answer questions about May's case or his return to football.
May debuted in August 2021 after progressing through the Penrith's junior pathways, including playing for club the local Minchinbury Jets.
May missed the 2023 NRL season after sustaining an ACL injury while playing against UK club St Helens at the World Club Challenge.
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