The Shifting Landscape of Player Loyalty in the NRL
In the modern era of professional rugby league, the traditional concept of a “one-club man” is facing unprecedented pressure. As clubs evolve into high-stakes business entities, the bond between player and organization is being redefined. Recent insights from Wests Tigers star Terrell May highlight a growing trend: players are increasingly prioritizing personal relationships with coaches over institutional loyalty.
The Business of Professional Sport
May, who recently extended his contract with the Wests Tigers through the end of the 2030 season, has been candid about his perspective on club culture. According to May, the reality of the industry is that every club functions as a business, which can lead to abrupt departures for players who once felt secure.
May’s experience at the Sydney Roosters serves as a poignant case study. Despite having signed a two-year extension just months prior, he was informed by coach Trent Robinson in October 2024 that he was free to leave the club. This experience fundamentally altered his approach to loyalty, leading him to state: “At the end of the day, every club is a business. As soon as they want you gone, it’s, ‘You’re gone’.”
The Rise of “Coach-Centric” Loyalty
The trend toward coach-centric loyalty suggests that players are seeking stability in the individuals who guide their development rather than the brand of the club itself. For May, his commitment to the Wests Tigers is inextricably linked to head coach Benji Marshall.
“I’m loyal to Benji,” May explained on the Unscripted podcast. “As long as Benji stays at the Tigers, they’ve got my loyalty… Say the Tigers got rid of Benji, I’m loyal to Benji… I’m going.”
This sentiment reflects a broader shift where the human element—mentorship, support for family, and mutual respect—takes precedence over the historical prestige of an organization.
Why Negotiations Break Down
May’s career journey also offers a window into the delicate nature of recruitment. Even when a player desires a return to their roots, poor interactions during the negotiation process can act as a permanent deterrent. May revealed that he nearly returned to the Penrith Panthers after his NRL debut, but a meeting with club management left him feeling alienated.
The importance of cultural fit cannot be overstated. When management approaches a player with a tone that feels dismissive or adversarial, even the most promising homecoming can collapse, pushing talent toward clubs where they feel valued and respected.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does Terrell May say he will never be loyal to a club again?
May argues that clubs operate primarily as businesses, and players can be discarded quickly regardless of their tenure or contribution. - What is the primary factor in May’s loyalty to the Wests Tigers?
His loyalty is tied directly to head coach Benji Marshall, whom he credits for supporting him and his family. - What happened during May’s potential return to Penrith?
May met with management but felt disrespected by the tone of the conversation and the comments made about his brothers, leading him to abandon the idea of returning.
What are your thoughts on the shifting nature of player loyalty in the NRL? Is the “one-club man” a relic of the past, or can clubs still foster that level of commitment? Join the conversation in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into the business of rugby league.
