OFFICIAL Kai Pearce-Paul

https://www.weststigers.com.au/news...e-paul-to-join-wests-tigers-from-2026-season/
Signings

Kai Pearce-Paul to join Wests Tigers from 2026 season​

Author Wests Tigers
Timestamp Fri 6 Jun 2025, 10:35 AM

Wests Tigers are pleased to announce that Kai Pearce-Paul will join the club ahead of the 2026 season on a three-year deal.

The English international edge forward has played 32 NRL games for the Knights since joining Newcastle for the 2024 season and previously played 61 games for Wigan from 2020-23.


A Super League Grand Final winner in 2023, the towering forward stands at 6’6” and weighs 108 kg.

Pearce-Paul has impressed since making the move to Australia, with the 24-year-old possessing an imposing frame and skilful offloading ability.

His performances for the English national side include appearances at the 2022 World Cup and their successful Test series against Samoa in 2024.

Kai is delighted to commit his future to Wests Tigers.

"I am excited to join the Wests Tigers in 2026. It is a fantastic opportunity, and I cannot wait," said Pearce-Paul.

"I grew up watching Benji and have always looked up to him, so being coached by him will be pretty special."

Pearce-Paul has averaged 118 running metres and 40 tackles per match in 2025.

Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson was pleased to secure the back-rower’s services.

"Kai is a rising talent and already an international player with England. He’s also a quality person from a great family," said Richardson.

At just 24, he brings professionalism and talent, and we see him as an important part of our future.

Shane RichardsonWests Tigers CEO

Head Coach Benji Marshall believes Pearce-Paul will prove a great addition to the squad.

"Kai is a powerful, mobile forward who really suits what we’re building here," said Marshall.

"He’s not only a great athlete but also a great person, and he’ll bring strong qualities to our team.

"I’m really looking forward to coaching him and seeing the impact he’ll have on our squad.”

 

[yeti]

He was great today considering he didn't even play a trial. Very impressive

 

[Coastie_Tiger]

Blind Freddy could see he was used poorly at Newy they hardly played to his side, he's a huge signing for us weapons on either side of the field.

 

[user118245]

“Found home. 🐯” - KPP on his latest ig post

 

[weststigers]

“Found home. 🐯” - KPP on his latest ig post

Love that. Benji does seem to have built a genuine culture.

 

[user118245]

Love that. Benji does seem to have built a genuine culture.

Never seen someone have such a big grin and passion and pride in the jersey for a try, let alone on a club debut. Cannot wait to see more of KPP, been so high on him since his first year in the league

 

[mtd#2]

Love that. Benji does seem to have built a genuine culture.

Thats why I'd be incredibly suprised if Bula left. Theres something about the bond this group of players have. If the tigers go on a bit of a run early, then i find it hard to see why anyone would want out, they'd probably take a bit less to stay with this crew.

Sidenote: Watching the replay now and there was 12.10 remaining on the clock in the first half and TWAL took the line on and put Samuela through a hole, which led to jarome running 40 metres.. TWAL!!

 

[poopy_diaper]

James Graham didn't have him in top 10 signings.

He will be top 1 by years end.

 

[old_man_tiger]

An actual second row, finally 🥲

 

[lathami]

James Graham didn't have him in top 10 signings.

He will be top 1 by years end.

Who listens to the head knock??

 

[Red88_Tiger]

James Graham didn't have him in top 10 signings.

He will be top 1 by years end.

Seems strange with him being a fellow countryman

 

[Telltails]

Seems strange with him being a fellow countryman

James Graham has no respect for WTs - given our recent history there is some validity. Not that it really matters what he thinks but hopefully there will be reason for him to change that point of view this season.
Cooper Cronk has been much the same - yesterday he actually showed some positivity.

 

[JC99]

Has to be up there with one of the best debut performances in WT history

2 great tries but his yardage and defensive work was excellent too.

 

[yeti]

Gotta say, KPP is starting to become one of my favourite players. I have a soft spot for poms - I even married one.

 

[TCL]

Was outstanding yesterday. Hope he can repeat that performance all year.

 

[Bigscreentv]

Blind Freddy could see he was used poorly at Newy they hardly played to his side, he's a huge signing for us weapons on either side of the field.

They never played to his side and for the most part they played him in the wrong side of the field.

 

[Bigscreentv]

Love that. Benji does seem to have built a genuine culture.

Benji is a good reader of people too. That’s a huge part of coaching.

 

[Tucker]

James Graham has no respect for WTs - given our recent history there is some validity. Not that it really matters what he thinks but hopefully there will be reason for him to change that point of view this season.
Cooper Cronk has been much the same - yesterday he actually showed some positivity.

Respect is earned.
It’s been a loooong time coming but that performance yesterday is the first real step towards this club finally earning its place amongst the rated teams.
Lots to still work on but that was different footy from us yesterday.
They we strong, fast and relentless. Even clinical at times. They turned more than a few heads Id suspect.

 

[Telltails]

Respect is earned.
It’s been a loooong time coming but that performance yesterday is the first real step towards this club finally earning its place amongst the rated teams.
Lots to still work on but that was different footy from us yesterday.
They we strong, fast and relentless. Even clinical at times. They turned more than a few heads Id suspect.

Agree Tucker. They were good to watch.

 

[Odessa]

Blind Freddy could see he was used poorly at Newy they hardly played to his side, he's a huge signing for us weapons on either side of the field.

His first season at Newcastle was great and he was running off Ponga but in the second season the coach went away from it

 

[weststigers]

Respect is earned.
It’s been a loooong time coming but that performance yesterday is the first real step towards this club finally earning its place amongst the rated teams.
Lots to still work on but that was different footy from us yesterday.
They we strong, fast and relentless. Even clinical at times. They turned more than a few heads Id suspect.

Certainly put them to the sword.

Nice to see us put a team away that we should be beating rather than losing or nail biting wins.

Still...if we can win against Souths and Warriors..both of which are playing decent football compared with the Cowboys, I will be far more confident we are the real deal.