Penrith Panthers winger Taylan May has been arrested and charged with domestic violence offences.
New South Wales Police said a 22-year-old man was arrested on Saturday morning.
The ABC has confirmed May was the man arrested.
In a statement, NSW Police said the winger was alleged to have punched a woman known to him during an argument in April.
“About 5am today (Saturday), officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command arrested a 22-year-old man at an address at Penrith, in relation to an alleged domestic violence incident which occurred last month,” NSW Police said.
“Police were told about 9pm on Monday, 8 April 2024, the man allegedly assaulted a woman known to him during an argument at a home in Werrington.
“It is alleged he punched her in the face and leg.”
May has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV), and two counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (DV).
He was granted bail and will appear before Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, 28 May.
The Panthers are due to face the Warriors during the Magic Round in Brisbane on Sunday afternoon.
May has not travelled to Brisbane with the Panthers squad and is not expected to take part in the game.
In a statement, the Panthers said they had made the NRL Integrity Unit aware of the charges.
“Penrith Panthers are aware of an alleged incident regarding player Taylan May, which has resulted in police charges,” a statement from the club said.
“Panthers has informed the NRL Integrity Unit and will cooperate throughout the process.
“As this is a legal matter, the club will make no further comment at this stage.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo also addressed the incident during an appearance on commercial radio later on Saturday, when he said it was unfortunate such a conversation had to take place.
“They’re pretty serious charges related to an alleged offence,” he told Triple M.
Abdo said the NRL was reviewing the information relating to the charges and would decide over the next few days what action it should take.
“We have clear policies for this … we’ll respect that process and we’ll move forward once we have more information,” he said.
