Express yourself: Why Benji's brand of footy has KPP thriving

Kai Pearce-Paul is about to face his old club Newcastle for the first time but believes Knights fans might see a new-and-improved footballer under the tutelage of Benji Marshall. 

Wests Tigers fans are already seeing it and loving it, as the England international who played all three Ashes Tests last year shapes to be one of the best 2026 recruits across the NRL.  

That’s not to say Pearce-Paul didn’t enjoy his two years in the Hunter. 

“It’s going to be a good game. It’ll be a weird one for me being the first time playing against an old club – so a bit of weird sensation for me playing against some mates," he said.

“They’ve found some real good form and have obviously made a lot of changes in the style of play. 

“I had some real good times there. When we were playing well, we played really well.

“I really enjoyed my time there but I fell this year under Benji I’ve been able to express myself more with my personal tools, like the offload and stuff. 

“It was just two different systems and obviously I feel like being in this system suits me more.

“That was one of the major moving points for me after having a few conversations with Benji – what he wanted out of me for the team and what he wanted me to do on the field. It was more of how I wanted to play.” 

Pearce-Paul has scored three tries in four games but it’s his second-phase football that is eye-catching. 

Against the Eels in the 22-20 win he had two line break assists, two try assists, five tackle breaks and the most offloads with prop Terrell May (four each). 

His work on the right edge combined with Samuela Finau on the left – both players spent 85 minutes on the field on Monday – alongside Alex Twal at lock, is a potent back row. 

“I’m just enjoying the boys around me... Jahream (Bula) is a great ball-player, Adam Doueihi as well. It’s easy for me to get those offloads and play to my strengths,” Pearce-Paul said. 

“It just helps when you have someone running that line and looking for that opportunity.  

“Having the players we have around me ad Benji just wants everyone to play to their strengths. 

“Obviously I like that ball a bit earlier, get that one-on-one and get the offload. 

“It’s just the Benji way. He wants us to express ourselves and that’s what he’s allowing us to do.”