’LEAGUE KID’ KAI IS ALL GROWN UP

Pearce-Paul’s treks across London pay off with Knights clash

THE rugby league journey of Kai PearcePaul started with two and a half hour trips across London to training and this evening takes in an England Knights debut. The Bromley-born 20-yearold is one of a cluster of players in Paul Anderson’s squad that have enjoyed rapid rises to prominence in 2021. Pearce-Paul’s physical presence – he stands at 6ft 5ins – and deft handling skills quickly marked him down as one to watch despite Wigan’s difficult season. Tonight he faces Jamaica in Jordan Turner’s testimonial at Castleford, hoping to take the next step on his career ladder. But he has not forgotten the first few rungs in London Broncos’ scholarship.

“It was two and a half hours to drive or two hours on the train, sometimes I could be back at 1am,” said Pearce-Paul.

“It was a big ask and I had to dedicate myself to it. “But it paid off in the end and it was definitely worth it.

“My mum was taking me and my brothers everywhere, she was awesome. When it got to the age I was a bit older and could travel on my own, it was getting the train to the Broncos – I was always running out of school early.

“I was just known as ‘the league kid’ – that one kid at school that played league.”

Pearce-Paul was spotted by Wigan impressing for the Broncos in an academy game and signed a four-year deal at the age of 17.

“It was scary at first, a big ask as a young boy,” he admitted.

“But luckily for me, especially the older ones at Wigan took me under their wing and showed me around.

“Willie Isa (left) really made sure I was alright and Wigan in general were great – they would cover my train tickets and make sure I was fine with seeing my family.”

Asked about his handling skills, Pearce-Paul added: “It just came naturally.

“I played a bit of basketball so maybe that helped the onehanded carry.

“When I was growing up I always had really long arms and legs, and it just became part of my arsenal.”

Now the back-rower is aiming to make an impression on his Knights bow.

He said: “The first goal is to win and honour your country in the right way.

“Personally, I just want to do what I’m known for – offload, run hard and have a proper dig.”