Taylan May is suing Penrith for damages and compensation for what he claims is an unlawful attempt to terminate his lucrative NRL contract.
May's bitter legal fight with Penrith was this week adjourned until next month, with an injunction against further action from Penrith extended by the Federal Court.
Currently stood down by the NRL until at least next March as he fights domestic violence charges, May is attempting to hang on to a deal worth close to $1.2 million for 2025 and 2026.
First served with a show cause notice late last month over several alleged breaches during his time at the club, May was told earlier this month he would only be paid out the remainder of this year's contract if sacked.
He left a meeting with Penrith's board with his contract still intact before a second show cause notice was served to him two days later asking him to front the board again.
In Federal Court documents obtained by AAP, May's legal team claim only the second notice related to the current domestic violence charges.
May alleges the club breached employment law by sending him a second show-cause notice, because of complaints he made in the initial meeting with Penrith bosses.
May's legal team has also argued the 22-year-old should not be asked to answer questions in regards to his ongoing criminal case, where he denies claims he punched his wife in the face during an argument.
"If (Penrith) is permitted to proceed as contemplated by the second show cause notice and related correspondence, then May will be faced with the invidious choice of either exercising his common law right to silence, in which case May's employment is likely to be terminated ... Or answering (Penrith's) questions, thereby "fundamentally alter(ing) the accusatorial judicial process" May's legal team said in a statement to the court.
May also claims he has suffered loss as a result of having to defend himself against Penrith's actions and there would be further reputational damage if his contract is terminated.
As a result, the Samoan international representative is pursuing Penrith for damages and compensation, as well as asking for penalties to be imposed on the club.
When contacted for comment, Penrith said they were aware of the matter but could not elaborate further.
The Panthers have signed Wests Tigers outside back Asu Kepaoa since May was stood down, while Paul Alamoti has taken the centre spot.
The club also re-signed brothers Casey and Jesse McLean last week, who are seen as future stars of the club's backline.
