OFFICIAL Kai Pearce-Paul

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_one]

There were a couple of other magpie pommies who never quite lived up to the expectations - Deryck Fox and Des Drummond - both GB International players - neither set the world on fire.

But champion @diedpretty, Des did score the winning try out at Brooky when the Magpies had a rare away win against the Manly side, back in the day .......

 

[TIGERS]

How about Mark Flanagan. Surprised he didn’t play more NRL. He was good enough

Another Warren McDonnell classic. Went home and joined St Helens. Good handy player that wouldn't have costed us much.

 

[innsaneink]

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[Tiger_Fanatic3]

'Benji's vision': Pearce-Paul ready to turbo-charge Tigers rise​

Recruit Kai Pearce-Paul has revealed Benji Marshall's vision was the driving factor in his decision to join the rebuilding club.

"I spoke to Benji before signing here and he told me his vision for the club and where he sees the club going," Pearce-Paul said. "With the group of boys we have involved, for me it's a no-brainer to sign for the Tigers and I'm really happy here.

"Benji is highly respected by the boys and he's got a vision, he has a plan. Everyone buys in on the team and he's a great guy. When we're on, we're on, he's serious and it's time to go.

"Off the field, it's like he's one of the boys. He's messing around with us, it almost reminds me of having another teammate there sometimes. That's the reason why the boys feel so connected because it feels like he's one of us.

"If you have a problem or if you have suggestions, it doesn't matter if you're 18 or you're 30, everyone feels like they can open their mouth here and feel comfortable."

Pearce-Paul grew up in London watching NRL games and dreaming of one day replicating Marshall's feats on the football field. While he has a slightly different body shape and is playing a different position, the forward said it remains surreal to be coached by his childhood idol.

"Growing up I watched NRL when I was back in England," Pearce-Paul said. "He was one of those players that was just on a different level.

"He was a player that young kids like myself at the time watching them and just knowing they were a superstar. You wanted to be like Benji Marshall or Johnathan Thurston so it's been special coming over and being able to train under him."

An English international, Pearce-Paul moved from Wigan in the UK Super League to the Knights in 2024.

After a successful transition to the NRL, the 25-year-old joins the Tigers as one of the most punishing edge backrowers in the game.

In doing so, he follows a long line of Englishman to arrive at Concord with a big reputation and high expectations.

It's a big responsibility but Pearce-Paul is determined to deliver for his new club.

"It's a slightly different game out here in comparison to what Super League's like," Pearce-Paul said. "It's a bit faster and gets warmer as well.

"The adjustment is more about getting used to people you're coming up against and certain plans other teams have. The longer you spend somewhere, the more comfortable you get and the better connections you form with your teammates."

'Benji's vision': Pearce-Paul ready to turbo-charge Tigers rise

Wests Tigers recruit Kai Pearce-Paul has revealed Benji Marshall's vision was the driving factor in his decision to join the rebuilding club.

www.nrl.com

 

[Tigerstigerstigers]

love this guy already. great attitutude

 

[upthetigers]

Just because we're a family club it doesn't make us soft! When you goto war, you wanna be there for your brothers!