Panthers star Taylan May will be allowed to play in this year’s finals series despite being handed a two game suspension by the NRL.

May was found guilty of assault occasioning bodily harm by Maroochydore Magistrates Court last week, after an incident on the Sunshine Coast in October.

CCTV footage that was presented to the court had shown May go up behind the man while he was talking with Nathan Cleary and Tyrone May.

He was then be seen grabbing the man by the collar of his shirt and pulling him to the ground.

Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin labelled May’s actions “reprehensible” and “cowardly” and ordered him to pay $1000 in compensation to the victim and a $1000 fine.

The NRL handed down its punishment on Tuesday which included a two game ban,

a fine of $7,500 (50 percent suspended) and a requirement that May attend counselling, education and training.

But instead of the suspension rubbing May out for the Panthers’ final push, it will start from 2023.

“In proposing the timing of the match suspension, the NRL considered a number of factors including when the incident took place, the date at which the proceedings were finalsied and the impact of a match suspension at this time of year,” a statement from the NRL reads.

“It is proposed the fine and education requirements be effective immediately.”

After winning the minor premiership, the Panthers will host the Parramatta Eels at Penrith Stadium on Friday.