Ex-Wigan Warriors star Kai Pearce-Paul on NRL future as he heads off-contract

Former Wigan Warriors star Kai Pearce-Paul has been discussing his NRL future as he enters the final year of his Newcastle Knights contract.

Pearce-Paul joined the Knights ahead of the 2024 season and made a big impression during his debut campaign with the second-row forward racking up 22 appearances on the season.

That was despite entering pre-season off the back of an injury that had required surgery – something he had carried over from his time with Wigan Warriors.

Now in his second pre-season, he is also in the second year of his two-year deal leading to the 23-year-old fielding questions about his future beyond the 2025 season.

“Yeah, I guess it’s a big year,” he told the media when asked about being in a contract year with the Knights.

“There’s obviously a lot going on probably behind the scenes but for me, I’m not really too focused on that.

“I sort of leave all that up my agent. As of now, I’ve made it pretty clear to him that I want to focus on the footy first.”

Former Wigan Warriors star avoiding ‘background noise’ of contract talks

Pearce-Paul has recently returned Down Under after spending much of the off-season in England, visiting family and representing his country against Samoa in the first Test at his old Wigan Warriors’ home.

Pushed further on his contract situation, Pearce-Paul underlined how this was his first healthy pre-season with the Knights meaning his sole focus was on the field, not off it.

He stated: “As I said before, it’s my first sort of proper pre-season over here and I want to get the best start into the season that I can so I’ve left all that to him.

“All that pressure and weight is on his (his agent) shoulders right now. I’m not really anything to do with it.

“As of now, I’ve made it pretty clear to keep me out of it for now. I just want to make sure that I’m flowing into the season as best I can with no other background noise in my head.”

Newcastle have already seen one of their young stars in the forward pack commit elsewhere for 2026 with Leo Thompson agreeing to a deal with Canterbury Bulldogs. Asked if he would wish to remain at the club, Pearce-Paul affirmed his love for the club but left the door open.

He said: “I love this place, it’s one of the best places in the world. I’ve got a lot of love for Newcastle and the fans, just everything about it, but time will tell.”

The former Wigan Warriors star will reportedly command a salary of $600,000-plus, equivalent to £300,000, highlighting the huge pay gap between Super League and the NRL.

Newcastle get their pre-season underway with a clash against Parramatta Eels in February.