OFFICIAL Kai Pearce-Paul #304

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.”

 

[Tiger_Fanatic3]

Dumb question around KPP..

Newcastle looses him and Thompson... But are winning 2/0.

How does this work? Is Holbrook really a sleeper supercoach?

Well they are without Ponga & Brown

I think they might go through a rough patch

 

[Tiger_Fanatic3]

Tigers play Knights in round 6, Ponga & Brown might still be out

That’ll be an edge bonus for us

 

[hammertime]

Tigers play Knights in round 6, Ponga & Brown might still be out

That’ll be an edge bonus for us

Ponga should be, but given our track record with luck on these things, expect brown to return against us. Always happens!

 

[Tiger_Fanatic3]

Ponga should be, but given our track record with luck on these things, expect brown to return against us. Always happens!

Just checked,
Ponga rd 10
Brown rd 7

Tigers play them rd 6

 

[tig_prmz]

Dumb question around KPP..

Newcastle looses him and Thompson... But are winning 2/0.

How does this work? Is Holbrook really a sleeper supercoach?

I think their two games were against Cowboys and Manly, both spoon favourites.
THey've been gutsy in both games.
I do think Holbrook is a good coach too though.

 

[Oldman]

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

Hope things stay the same after the honeymoon period 😘

 

[Oldman]

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.

Let’s not forget who the opposition were.
This week should give us more of an indication.

 

[Oldman]

He went well but was given a gap by Bula and chased a short kick by Luai close to the line.
Not knocking him but I want to see how he goes in a tough, backs to the wall fight. That’s where Gareth Ellis used to pull out something extra, I hope this Pom can do the same.
Interesting to look at the physiques of KPP and S.Fainu, very similar.

Interesting game coming up, better opposition, away on a ground we really haven’t had much success on ( limited games), night match after day, and no packed Tiger crowd.
It should reveal a lot about us moving forward, along with the 2 games after that, Wahs and Eels, both away.
Let’s see if we justify all this finals talk.

💯

 

[hammertime]

Just checked,
Ponga rd 10
Brown rd 7

Tigers play them rd 6

Let's revisit this round 6. We always seem to get key players returning against us.

 

[AdelaideTiger]

I think their two games were against Cowboys and Manly, both spoon favourites.
THey've been gutsy in both games.
I do think Holbrook is a good coach too though.

Speed of the game to start the year has suited them very well, just sending their spine through the middle against retreating forwards. Will see how they go when the weather changes, 6 agains start to reduce and games become more of a grind.
WTs will have a similar challenge to show they can play both ways.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

I think their two games were against Cowboys and Manly, both spoon favourites.
THey've been gutsy in both games.
I do think Holbrook is a good coach too though.

Couldn't understand why the Titans sacked him at the time, thought he was going alright.

Then they bought in the mad professor, what a lousy decision that turned out to be, don't know what that board was thinking.

 

[TrueTiger]

I liked the look of KKP working out wide and roaming...he could be a great gain for us this year...

 

[tiger05premier]

I liked the look of KKP working out wide and roaming...he could be a great gain for us this year...

It's so good having such a great potential in there side that lives the coach and his vision and sincerely wants to be here

In fact most of our young and existing talent want to be here

I know ppl have their doubts but I think Benji will succeed and prove himself a Bennett type coach with a long and successful career

Hopefully at the Tigers

 

[LeichhardtTiger]

Great photo that - just for giggles if you come across it .Look at the distain on the ladies face standing next to creepy gradpa

Found it folks.

 

[crazycat]

Well they are without Ponga & Brown

I think they might go through a rough patch

Look if Holbrook can keep Newcastle winning with those two injured and all the players he lost last year...

Then he would be up for Coach of the year.

 

[crazycat]

Just checked,
Ponga rd 10
Brown rd 7

Tigers play them rd 6

That's great news.

Even if they bring Brown in early, he will be injured and under-trained.

...

That said, we have a history of loosing those games 🙁

 

[Merlot]

Look if Holbrook can keep Newcastle winning with those two injured and all the players he lost last year...

Then he would be up for Coach of the year.

IF

 

[Holman Barnes #1 Fan]

Hope things stay the same after the honeymoon period 😘

I think they will. He didn't come here then suddenly become good. He was on a steady upwards trajectory last year, putting in good performances every week without doing anything outstanding.