The Wests Tigers have signed Kai Pearce-Paul on a three-year deal that is set to commence at the end of this season.
In a move to bolster their second-row stocks, Pearce-Paul is a marquee acquisition for CEO Shane Richardson and head coach Benji Marshall.
After coming across to the NRL from Wigan at the end of 2023, the 24-year-old has impressed in an otherwise struggling Knights outfit.
A strong runner of the football with subtlety in the passing game, the young forward has put his name forward as one of the most promising players in the league.
For the Tigers to land his signature after what has been a tumultuous last few months for their recruitment and retention, is a positive step in the right direction.
Before the Lachlan Galvin controversy was put to bed, Pearce-Paul has been the subject of rumours about a potential player swap that would've sent Galvin to the Eels, Dylan Brown to the Knights before he was officially set to join in 2026, and the English back-rower to the Tigers.
Despite that series of events never fully playing out, the Tigers kept their eye on the target and secured a vital piece of their new-looked right edge going forward.
In a statement released by the club, Shane Richardson detailed the importance of the signing.
"Kai is a rising talent and already an international player with England. He’s also a quality person from a great family," he said.
"At just 24, he brings professionalism and talent, and we see him as an important part of our future."
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Pearce-Paul, who has played 32 NRL games to date, mentioned the Tigers coach as a significant factor in his decision making process.
"I grew up watching Benji and have always looked up to him, so being coached by him will be pretty special," he said.
"I am excited to join the Wests Tigers in 2026. It is a fantastic opportunity, and I cannot wait."
Marshall reciprocated the positive energy that his new star forward conveyed.
"Kai is a powerful, mobile forward who really suits what we’re building here," he said.
"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.”