Wests Tigers prop Terrell May is pursuing legal remedies after a private intimate image of him was shared on social media without his knowledge or permission. May has formally notified the eSafety Commissioner, Wests Tigers club management, and the NRL integrity unit of the matter.
May's manager, David Rawlings, confirmed the situation became known to the player and his camp on Monday night. Rawlings said they believe they have identified both the origin of the image's circulation and the person responsible. The image is understood to be several years old.
"Terrell is obviously disappointed with what has happened. They were images that he never intended to be made public. His privacy has been violated and we have taken action to address the matter. We have also been open and transparent with the club and the integrity unit, who have both offered their full support."
The club released its own statement on Thursday afternoon once news of the image's circulation became public. Wests Tigers management confirmed they are working closely with May, his representatives, and the NRL to resolve the matter as quickly as possible, and pledged to provide the player and his family with full support.
The incident is a reminder that the sharing of intimate images without consent is not only a serious breach of personal privacy but increasingly carries legal consequences under Australian law. The eSafety Commissioner holds powers under the Online Safety Act 2021 to require the removal of non-consensual intimate images, and state-based criminal provisions also apply in many jurisdictions. For high-profile figures in particular, the potential for such material to spread rapidly across social media platforms makes early legal intervention critical.
May, 26, is one of the more distinctive personalities in the competition. He finished the 2024 season with the Sydney Roosters in what was considered a career-best campaign, before joining Wests Tigers ahead of 2025. His performances last season elevated him to the position of forward leader at the joint venture club and placed him firmly in contention for a New South Wales State of Origin debut.
Beyond the scoreboard, the real story is how May has handled public scrutiny throughout his career. He previously issued cease and desist notices to online fan communities that had been spreading what he described as personally damaging rumours regarding his departure from the Roosters. His willingness to use legal channels in that instance appears consistent with the approach his camp is now taking in response to the privacy breach.
On the football front, May did not participate in either of the club's two pre-season trial matches and has been managing a minor back complaint in recent weeks. However, his management and the club do not consider him a serious doubt for the start of the regular season. The Tigers have a bye in round one before hosting North Queensland at Leichhardt Oval in round two.
Cases like this one raise broader questions about the responsibilities of social media platforms when intimate content is shared without consent, and whether existing regulatory frameworks move quickly enough to protect individuals when images begin to circulate. The eSafety Commissioner's office has strengthened its response capabilities in recent years, but advocates argue that enforcement speed and platform cooperation remain inconsistent. For May, the immediate priority is clear: removing the image from circulation and establishing accountability. How the NRL and the broader sporting community respond will also be watched closely, given the growing expectation that codes take player welfare seriously in all its dimensions, not merely the physical.