Nathan Cleary hoping Catalans Dragons star will make a return to the NRL

Penrith star Nathan Cleary is delighted Tyrone May is doing well in Super League but hopes he will get the chance to return to the Panthers one day.

May was part of the Panthers side that won the 2021 premiership. However following the grand final win over South Sydney a controversial Instagram post spelled the end of his time with the club.

The 25-year-old landed a one-year deal with the Catalans Dragons and is impressing in Super League. Indeed May starred in the recent 44-12 win over  Castleford Tigers. He scored a try and registered four try assists.

Cleary says he is watching his good mate play for Catalans and has been impressed. He also hopes that one day they will be able to play together again with the Panthers.

“I’ve been watching him play, he’s one of my best mates, it’s good to see him get his opportunity over there and taking it with both hands,” Cleary told the Sydney Herald.

“I think he’s really enjoying it, it’s something different, and he’s got away for a bit.

“I miss him. One day I’d love to see him back here. It’s been a good change and he can reinvent himself. We’ll see what happens, I’m just glad he’s playing footy and enjoying himself.”

May penned a one-year deal with Catalans and it remains to be seen what will happen. Catalans coach Steve McNamara has been impressed with the playmaker since his arrival. He has not put a foot wrong and is making the most of his fresh start.

McNamara says a decision has yet to be made on what happens at the end of the year. For now they are just enjoying having him in the squad.

“He’s a young man who made a mistake in the past but, for us, he’s been really good. He’s been exemplary,” McNamara said.

“We weren’t quite sure where we were going to play Tyrone initially,