A New Chapter for Kai Pearce-Paul
Kai Pearce-Paul has credited Benji Marshall for a strong start to his career at Wests Tigers, stating that the joint-venture’s system aligns better with his style of play compared to his time at Newcastle. The 25-year-old is set to face his former club for the first time on Sunday when the Tigers host the Knights in a crucial top-four clash in Campbelltown.
After moving to Newcastle from England in 2024, Pearce-Paul showcased a lot of flair and potential at the Knights but struggled to consistently deliver on his promise. However, since joining the Tigers, he has already scored as many tries this season as he did in 44 games at the Knights. The Tigers are currently sitting in the top two of the NRL standings, a feat they have only achieved twice in the past 12 seasons.
“I had some really good times there (at Newcastle). When we played well, we played really well,” Pearce-Paul said.
“But I feel like under Benji, I’ve been able to express myself more, and use my personal tools with things like the offloads. Having Benji, he wants everyone to play to their strengths. I like the ball a bit early, to be able to get that one-on-one and get an offload.”
In just four games with the Tigers, Pearce-Paul is averaging double the number of offloads he recorded at the Knights while also making more tackles. This has contributed to the Tigers’ right edge becoming one of the most effective attacking channels in the competition this year, with nearly half of their tries coming through that area.
“I feel like being in this system suits me better,” Pearce-Paul said.
“One of the major moving points when I had a few conversations with Benji, it was what he wanted out of me for the team, and what he wanted me to do on the field. He told me exactly where he sees me, and said, ‘if you want to be a part of that, this is where I see the team going’. I was sold pretty quickly after speaking to Benji. It was something I wanted to be a part of.”
Newcastle, meanwhile, are a different side this year under Justin Holbrook, who has implemented changes to Adam O’Brien’s previous attack strategy. Despite the absence of Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown due to injuries, the Knights are averaging almost double the points they did last year. A win this week could mark their best start to a season since 2002.
“They’re a great team, they’ve found some really good form, and they’ve had a lot of changes with their style of play,” Pearce-Paul said.
“It will be a good game. It will be a weird one for me, it will be the first time I play against an old club. I’ll be keen to get out there and play against some old mates.”
