Former Wigan Warriors star agrees cross-NRL switch from 2026 with long-term contract signed

Former Wigan Warriors forward Kai Pearce-Paul will depart Newcastle Knights at the end of this season, having agreed a three-year contract with fellow NRL side Wests Tigers from 2026.

The England international has made 33 NRL appearances for the Knights since joining from Super League heavyweights Wigan ahead of the 2024 season on a two-year contract.
Pearce-Paul played 61 games for the Warriors between 2020 and 2023, winning a Super League title, two League Leaders’ Shields, and a Challenge Cup. He joined Wigan from his boyhood club, the London Broncos.
After helping the Warriors win the Super League Grand Final in 2023, Pearce-Paul moved to the NRL with Newcastle, where the 24-year-old impressed, but after two seasons with the Knights, he will join the Tigers on a three-year contract beginning next season.

“I am excited to join the Wests Tigers in 2026,” Pearce-Paul stated. “It is a fantastic opportunity, and I cannot wait.” I grew up watching Benji (Marshall) and have always admired him, so being mentored by him will be something unique.”

Pearce-Paul, who is 6ft 6in and weighs 108kg, has four caps for England since making his international debut against Greece in the Rugby League World Cup in 2022, and will want to be named in Shaun Wane’s team to face Australia in the Ashes at home this autumn.

“Kai is a powerful, mobile forward who really suits what we’re building here,” Tigers coach Benji Marshall said. “He’s not only a fantastic athlete, but also a great person, and he’ll offer valuable skills to our team.

“I’m really looking forward to coaching him and seeing the impact he’ll have on our squad.”

Pearce-Paul, a Lewisham native and former Croydon Hurricanes youth player, has averaged 116 running metres and 41 tackles per game in 2025.

“Kai is a rising talent who has already represented England at the international level,” Tigers CEO Shane Richardson said. “He’s also a good person from a wonderful family. At only 24, he combines professionalism and talent, and we see him as a vital part of our future.”