Wests Tigers recruit Kai Pearce-Paul has revealed Benji Marshall’s vision was the driving factor in his decision to join the rebuilding club.Â
The Tigers have taken considerable strides under Marshall in the past two years, with the coach helping recruit a number of high-profile stars.
The arrival of Api Koroisau in 2023 and Jarome Luai last season saw the club begin to turn the corner after a number of lean years.
Tigers fans are now hopeful the addition of Pearce-Paul will provide the boost needed to end a 15-year finals drought.
“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 will make his first appearance for the Tigers in Friday night’s Witzer Pre-Season Challenge clash with the Panthers.
Marshall has named a full-strength squad for the game at Leichhardt Oval, with Jarome Luai and Adam Doueihi combining in a new-look halves pairing.
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has also selected his big guns after resting many of his top stars last week. Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo will play their first game of the season as the Panthers look to kickstart their campaign.
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.”
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