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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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"I’m really looking forward to coaching him and seeing the impact he’ll have on our squad.”
 
I reckon if he puts on 5-6kg of muscle over the off season and controls his aggression he could be A gun impact prop

Bunty and Seyfarth off the bench for May and Pole could be dynamite

It just depends on how badly they all want it

Potential is there, that’s for sure

KPP and Samuela both play 80 minutes, meaning if there are injuries Seyfarth could slot to backrow

We could carry 3 props on the bench in the circumstances
Or flip this..

Bunty/Hunt come on for May/Pole going to the bench.
Massive prop rotation.. Particularly as you inject energy with big players coming on...

Sure Bunty/Hunt won't be playing big minutes. But with both coming on slamming, the opposition will have a tough time.

Seyfarth/KPP/Samuela F all second row forwards. You now have a strong second row with Seyfarth playing 16th/bench.
 
I think we need to keep his role very simple.

1. get crazy fit
2. follow the defensive pattern
3. kick chase
4. kick pressure
5. scramble

He's a natural with attack, it will come as he builds connection with Douehi/Latu.
 
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