Roosters star reveals how staying true to his ‘westie’ roots helped him crack the big time in footy’s swankiest team: ‘I didn’t come in here being fake’

Roosters prop Terrell May is a proud Sydney ‘westie’ – and he is adamant staying true to himself is a key reason why he has been able to force his way into Trent Robinson’s NRL team.

The 24-year-old – whose older Tyrone and younger brother Taylan have played first grade for Penrith, isn’t hard to spot at Moore Park training sessions.

His colourful haircut, unique fashion sense and tattoos have made him a popular figure with his teammates as well as fans – and May doesn’t plan on changing anytime soon.

‘I didn’t come in being fake or trying to be someone else, I still brought the westie that’s in me and I still dress the same and walk around the same,’ he told News Corp. 

‘I think Robbo really liked [the fact] that I was a bit different to some of the boys here.’

May’s colourful haircut, unique fashion sense and tattoos have made him a popular figure with his teammates and Roosters fans

May credits his father Jay for his discipline.

While their friends were out partying in their teenage years, May snr relentlessly trained his boys in Sydney’s blue-collar west, and the Minchinbury Jets junior is appreciative he didn’t go down the wrong path.

Video sessions and hill runs became the norm growing up, as the trio left nothing to chance when it came to realising their collective dream of playing in the NRL.

The prop was almost lost to the game at one stage during the pandemic – but after seeing Taylan excel on the wing for the Panthers in his debut NRL season, May didn’t want to ponder what might have been. 

He signed with the North Sydney Bears and following a number of impressive performances at NSW Cup level, was handed an opportunity in first grade by Robinson last season.

Now he is playing finals footy in a ‘pinch me’ moment, but the Tregear raised star won’t rest on his laurels.

He hopes to one day play in the NRL alongside his two siblings – but for now his focus is performing for the Tricolours, starting with Friday’s elimination semi-final against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park.

Halfback Jahrome Hughes is unlikely to play for the hosts, with both squads decimated by injuries.

The Roosters have found form at the perfect time, winning their last six matches on the trot.