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.”

 

[stevied]

Thought he was outstanding yesterday and excellent in defense and attack. He's also a real effort player and a leader when it comes to the hard work. You could see his personality, leadership and rapport with the team emerging in the pre season videos. He's clearly a real asset to the culture of the club.

 

[TheEnz]

Thought he was outstanding yesterday and excellent in defense and attack. He's also a real effort player snd and a leader when it comes to the hard work. You could see his personality, leadership and rapport with the team emerging in the pre season videos. He's clearly a real asset to the culture of the club.

remember when we were all worried about our right side defence, its now almost bullet proof because of KPP, his defence from marker is exceptional. Its now our left that is the problem, however that will easily be solved when Luai and May are back.

 

[stevied]

remember when we were all worried about our right side defence, its now almost bullet proof because of KPP, his defence from marker is exceptional. Its now our left that is the problem, however that will easily be solved when Luai and May are back.

Yeah, Maka and LL are clearly a problem. Luai and Tiny will help. So will moving Maka to the wing and someone else, maybe Douehi, to centre, looking ahead.

 

[stevied]

remember when we were all worried about our right side defence, its now almost bullet proof because of KPP, his defence from marker is exceptional. Its now our left that is the problem, however that will easily be solved when Luai and May are back.

Yeah, Maka and LL are clearly a problem. Luai and Tiny will help. So will moving Maka to the wing and someone else, maybe Douehi, to centre, looking ahead.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Yeah, Maka and LL are clearly a problem. Luai and Tiny will help. So will moving Maka to the wing and someone else, maybe Douehi, to centre, looking ahead.

I honestly think we won't see AD back at right centre unless it is required mid-game through injuries. He has trained all pre-season in the halves and Benji has highlighted his voice & leadership in the middle.

I think ultimately first choice centres are May & To'a but Makasini, Turuva & Herbert will be next men up. I even think Latu would be used at centre before AD now.

 

[stevied]

I honestly think we won't see AD back at right centre unless it is required mid-game through injuries. He has trained all pre-season in the halves and Benji has highlighted his voice & leadership in the middle.

I think ultimately first choice centres are May & To'a but Makasini, Turuva & Herbert will be next men up. I even think Latu would be used at centre before AD now.

That's a pity because I think the best set of halves, for overall function of the team, is Madden and Luai. Maybe Douehi should be moved to 13. No positions should be set in concrete. Team needs evolve over time.

 

[diedpretty]

remember when we were all worried about our right side defence, its now almost bullet proof because of KPP, his defence from marker is exceptional. Its now our left that is the problem, however that will easily be solved when Luai and May are back.

That left side defence will be really tested this week. Newcastles right side attack has been very good and Young is on fire on the wing as they are getting early ball out to him.

 

[Tiger_Fanatic3]

MOTM

Well Done

 

[Tiger_Fanatic3]

85mins
13 runs
83 run metres
25 pcm
2 try assist
12 hit ups
5 tackle breaks

 

[Tiger_Fanatic3]

Express yourself: Why Benji's brand of footy has KPP thriving​

Kai Pearce-Paul is about to face his old club Newcastle for the first time but believes Knights fans might see a new-and-improved footballer under the tutelage of Benji Marshall.

Wests Tigers fans are already seeing it and loving it, as the England international who played all three Ashes Tests last year shapes to be one of the best 2026 recruits across the NRL.

That’s not to say Pearce-Paul didn’t enjoy his two years in the Hunter.

“It’s going to be a good game. It’ll be a weird one for me being the first time playing against an old club – so a bit of weird sensation for me playing against some mates," he said.

“They’ve found some real good form and have obviously made a lot of changes in the style of play.

“I had some real good times there. When we were playing well, we played really well.

“I really enjoyed my time there but I fell this year under Benji I’ve been able to express myself more with my personal tools, like the offload and stuff.

“It was just two different systems and obviously I feel like being in this system suits me more.

“That was one of the major moving points for me after having a few conversations with Benji – what he wanted out of me for the team and what he wanted me to do on the field. It was more of how I wanted to play.”

Pearce-Paul has scored three tries in four games but it’s his second-phase football that is eye-catching.

Against the Eels in the 22-20 win he had two line break assists, two try assists, five tackle breaks and the most offloads with prop Terrell May (four each).

His work on the right edge combined with Samuela Finau on the left – both players spent 85 minutes on the field on Monday – alongside Alex Twal at lock, is a potent back row.

“I’m just enjoying the boys around me... Jahream (Bula) is a great ball-player, Adam Doueihi as well. It’s easy for me to get those offloads and play to my strengths,” Pearce-Paul said.

“It just helps when you have someone running that line and looking for that opportunity.

“Having the players we have around me ad Benji just wants everyone to play to their strengths.

“Obviously I like that ball a bit earlier, get that one-on-one and get the offload.

“It’s just the Benji way. He wants us to express ourselves and that’s what he’s allowing us to do.”

 

[Yossarian]

He’s got to be close to buy of the year. Especially from a value for money standpoint.

 

[SeanT]

I honestly think we won't see AD back at right centre unless it is required mid-game through injuries. He has trained all pre-season in the halves and Benji has highlighted his voice & leadership in the middle.

I think ultimately first choice centres are May & To'a but Makasini, Turuva & Herbert will be next men up. I even think Latu would be used at centre before AD now.

He has to be a able to kick otherwise it's in the centres. Not sure how the injury is but you could see he wasn't running freely last game.

 

[watersider]

Even in games I fluctuate between Sam fainu and kpp as my favourite players. Both very physical, fast, skillful, 80 minutes and full of heart. I wouldn't trade them for anyone.

I expected a solid reliable toiler in KPP. To get a strike player at that price is terrific.

Credit to Benji for bringing out his game.