- Kai Pearce-Paul could be a smart signing for Knights
- Backrower rejected approaches from Bulldogs and Dolphins
- The 22-year-old also recently won a premiership with Wigan
Knights recruit Kai Pearce-Paul has revealed why he chose Newcastle to kick-start his NRL journey – and how he bravely turned down approaches from footy icons Wayne Bennett and Phil Gould.
The damaging backrower, 22, has already represented England – and the rising star has opted to join Adam O’Brien’s squad after a ‘gut feeling’.
“I spoke to Wayne Bennett about the Dolphins, I spoke to ‘Gus’ Gould about possibly joining the Bulldogs,” Pearce-Paul told the BBC. Sydney Morning Herald.
‘And of course I spoke to Adam O’Brien in Newcastle. (Gould and Bennett) didn’t put any pressure on me, they just gave me insight into what it would look like if I joined their club. They were (both) cool to talk to.
‘It was a difficult decision, but in the end I chose Newcastle. I followed my gut feeling and I’m sure I made the right decision, because I’m already enjoying it here.
Knights recruit Kai Pearce-Paul has revealed why he chose Newcastle to start his NRL journey – and how he bravely rejected footy icons Wayne Bennett and Phil Gould
The in-demand backrower spoke to Phil Gould (pictured) about playing for the Bulldogs and Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins
Even NRL super coach Wayne Bennett was unable to convince the young player to sign a deal with the Dolphins
“This was made for me, this place is amazing.”
Pearce-Paul, who has been likened in some quarters to cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams, was joined by fellow young gun Will Pryce at Merewether Beach not long after flying in from London this week.
The pair spoke passionately about how they want to make their mark on the NRL with the Knights.
Both are coming up against a team that won 10 NRL matches in a row this season before bowing out in week two of the finals.
With Dally M medalist Kalyn Ponga ready to take his game to a new level, plus Panthers recruits Jack Cogger and Tom Jenkins adding even more depth, there is reason for optimism at McDonald Jones Stadium in 2024.
Prolific try-scorer Dom Young will be missed after the England speedster joined the Roosters, but Pryce is not here on holiday despite admitting he is ‘living in paradise at the moment’.
“The way the club is moving forward… I wanted to be part of it,” he said.
“I watched the boys a lot last season (online) and it was fun…now it’s up to me to play my part.”