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.”

 

[Tigerdazz2]

Good signing but lets get real, if we are to push for top four in a couple of years, he's going to have to become a better player

He's only 24 and like a good red wine only get better with age!

 

[BAGNF05]

This is complete BS. Why would we sign a player who plays in the same position as Alex Seyfarth? Where is he going to play? We already know Seyfarth is destined to captain Australia one day. Sorry, but this signing just makes no sense to me.

I'm sure that every other Wests Tigers supporter will agree with me when I say that we will not stand for Seyfarth's position being threatened in the team. Even Liam Martin is running scared that's why he plays on the opposite side of the field.

He’s done enough mate.

Richo has decided to retire his jersey and hang it up at Campbo. A stellar career that needs no more chapters.

 

[BAGNF05]

Was thinking about this today why does Luai have to play 7 ?

The great Darren Lockyer played the back half of his career at 6 and ran the team from there

Shame Perry would do his job and kick to the corners and when Lockery wanted the ball over called everyone and it worked great

I said early on he would end up at 6 here. Don’t see much reason to change that theory.

Our very own coach was a similar player in some ways and dominated as Batman from 6.

 

[boonboon]

Kai Pearce Paul will end up 6 ?

 

[innsaneink]

Many players pull something extra out in contract year....now his future is settled
I dont wanna be seeing him regress in any way

 

[batboy]

I said early on he would end up at 6 here. Don’t see much reason to change that theory.

Our very own coach was a similar player in some ways and dominated as Batman from 6.

I also mentioned he’d play second fiddle to Galvin, moreso because LG was so on the ball and in everything…
His best game was this weekend - he’ll never be a conventional 7, but he can certainly run a game from 6. There’s been plenty - Maloney, Lockyer, Benji…
Always thought JT was a 6 Quasi 7

 

[Red88_Tiger]

I also see him standing there waqtching, not getting involved
I see him walking back for three tackles as his backs are bringing back a kick return, three minutes into the 2nd half.
I see him watch the ball go past him not putting any pressure on the opposition runners
I see him arm grab and as someone else succinctly mentioned...cuddling in defense, no shoulders
Do you watch col?
Not very closely it seems

His negatives aside there is plenty of positives as well

Walking back as you let the backs bring it out is allowed by coaches. Well coached this way at country level and more often than not it has eventuated at higher levels

 

[Merlot]

if he doesnt live up to the hopes of this forum, and i do hope he does , the place will set him alight

 

[Needaname]

I also mentioned he’d play second fiddle to Galvin, moreso because LG was so on the ball and in everything…
His best game was this weekend - he’ll never be a conventional 7, but he can certainly run a game from 6. There’s been plenty - Maloney, Lockyer, Benji…
Always thought JT was a 6 Quasi 7

In 2012 JT changed from 6 to 7 as he wanted to open up his running game and play out the back of shape. He did however win the Premiership when reverting back to 7 with a more athletic half playing outside him.

 

[Tigerdump]

Love this. Just what we needed. Hope he is fired up in 2026

 

[Merlot]

Love this. Just what we needed. Hope he is fired up in 2026

scumbag - go away

 

[user118245]

scumbag - go away

?

 

[Merlot]

?

??

 

[Tigerdump]

scumbag - go away

???

 

[Tigerdump]

scumbag - go away

Are you talking to me? Or KPP.

 

[Buttface]

Kai Pearce Paul will end up 6 ?

Sheensy? Is that you?

 

[Merlot]

Are you talking to me? Or KPP.

your choice

 

[crazycat]

In 2012 JT changed from 6 to 7 as he wanted to open up his running game and play out the back of shape. He did however win the Premiership when reverting back to 7 with a more athletic half playing outside him.

JT could actually read plays. He was either kinda average or Diabolically good. Incredible stamina to him.

Yet I don't think he was a massive steerer of a team. DCE is NR7 planted all over him, likewise Cronk. Thurston really needed a Lockyer to try things at first...Not knocking the guy, crazy good player.

 

[Tigerdump]

your choice

Well to be fair I have always preferred a good Pinot Noir. Merlot always seemed a little less bodied, perhaps a bit unsophisticated.

 

[Merlot]

Well to be fair I have always preferred a good Pinot Noir. Merlot always seemed a little less bodied, perhaps a bit unsophisticated.

happy with its place on the shelf , no doubt ,.I fkd up and put a t on the end of Merlo - Paul