OFFICIAL Kai Pearce-Paul

https://www.weststigers.com.au/news...e-paul-to-join-wests-tigers-from-2026-season/
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Kai Pearce-Paul to join Wests Tigers from 2026 season​

AuthorWests TigersTimestampFri 6 Jun 2025, 10:35 AM

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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.”

 

[Wiz]

We can all say what we want about Benjis coaching but there is no doubt that players are coming to play under him... we just need to get the support staff around him right & I really do think he'll have a lot of success.

Agree. We’ve never been able to attract talent so easily at reasonable costs.

 

[Needaname]

Not every signing becomes an early release. There would be no incentive to release him. Whether they are in the mix for the 8 or not.

Don’t count your chickens. They have a game on the 27th and bye following. Byes tend to do funny things to teams, they evaluate their standing and sometimes add improvements for an end of season run or, look to get a head start on next year..!

 

[mikey]

Could it be that the announcement is on behalf of the club and not that of an individual.
I.e Benji or Richo is pleased to announce where as the WestsTigers are a title of a single entity made up of a number of people?

See above mate. Ron and Krissy nailed it.

 

[tig_prmz]

Plugs a big weakness on R 2nd row.

Watched him closely last few weeks. He likes to stay on his edge and wait for the ball to come, but whenever he gets an opportunity, he doesn't shy away from showing his skills.

Our entire team needs to work better with kick chase, pressuring kickers and decoys throuhgout the 80.

 

[Plato]

I think he got bullied and should be let go early

He's 6'5", we need to sign whoever is bullying him.

 

[Kelce68]

Note the emphasis the club is placing on recruits.

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

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

Yep, they're clearly trying to promote that as a key ethos.

I like it.

 

[LeichhardtTiger]

London Bronco's Academy. Interesting he is a Londoner.

Whew! That's a relief - at least he should be able to Speak English unlike Bateman!

 

[Tigerstigerstigers]

He's 6'5", we need to sign whoever is bullying him.

Good call. And If he’s an elite front rower, I’m all for it

 

[Go_You_Good_Things]

Looking forward to see what the dyslexic Kia can do for us.

 

[The Chad]

He's 6'5", we need to sign whoever is bullying him.

Is it Jack?

 

[Flash089]

I must say, bar a few, the spelling has improved over time

👍 apart from the mangled offerings of a couple of escapees from the short bus, the quality of discourse (and spelling) has definitely improved on here.

 

[innsaneink]

His a good singing

 

[Vicious]

His a good singing

💯 considering we are currently in a player market where good quality NRL edge back rowers are few and far between and it’s even harder to find good ones that are off contract or available to be signed.

 

[Sully]

His a good singing

If you want to take the next step from " Good Singing " you only need to take the "s" out of Wests

Great singing for the WEST Tigers to start the divide again.....

All jokes aside I think he will be a great attacking weapon with his size and offloading capabilities and we just need a few more before June 30 to finish off 2025 strong and look forward to a better 2026 and beyond.

 

[innsaneink]

If you want to take the next step from " Good Singing " you only need to take the "s" out of Wests

Great singing for the WEST Tigers to start the divide again.....

All jokes aside I think he will be a great attacking weapon with his size and offloading capabilities and we just need a few more before June 30 to finish off 2025 strong and look forward to a better 2026 and beyond.

Yeh, West does my head in too.

 

[Spartan117]

KPP makes us better.

Happy with this signing

 

[hammertime]

Great addition. Nice to have 2 1st grade 2nd rowers. Seyfarth will be a good bench forward.

 

[Bigscreentv]

In al seriousness, I think he has massive potential that the Knights haven’t really been able to get out of him due to their lacklustre halves. Happy about this one.

 

[Spartan117]

Is this targeted at Taylan? Cause Terrell comes from a good family 😄

I don't think so.

WTs aren't into disguised bitchin.

 

[tiger05premier]

Love the signing. Richo and Benji working behind the scenes to improve the roster

My issue is that I can only hear the words Piss Poor when they call his name. Forever Kai Piss Poor😂, great signing.

LOL that is funny