LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Newcastle Knights forward Kai Pearce-Paul is reportedly a target for the Wests Tigers, with potential moves suggested for 2026 or even sooner.
According to zerotackle.com, Pearce-Paul joined the NRL at the start of the 2024 season but has yet to reach the high expectations set earlier in his career overseas.
However, he has shown enough promise to indicate a strong future in Australian rugby.
Reports suggest that Pearce-Paul will not be re-signing with the Knights beyond this year, and there is now speculation that he could be released early.
The Wests Tigers have emerged as the leading candidate for his acquisition, whether it happens this season or next.
The Knights are currently navigating a challenging salary cap situation.
Although some relief was provided at the beginning of 2025 with the release of player Daniel Saifiti, and further alleviation is expected at the end of this season when several players, including Jackson Hastings, depart, the club is focused on rebuilding.
This rebuilding effort is centered around the upcoming signing of Dylan Brown from the Parramatta Eels, set to join at the end of 2025.