Knights gun Kai Pearce-Paul will reportedly hit the open market, preparing to field offers from rivals in yet another contract blow to the Newcastle club.
The Englishmen’s reported decision comes only days after it was revealed Kiwi enforcer Leo Thompson would also hit the open market to test free agency.
The Daily Telegraph is reporting Pearce-Paul could field offers of around $600,000 per-season, with his current contract expiring at the end of the 2025 season.
Watch every game of the 2024 Pacific Championships with expert analysis LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Newcastle’s 2024 campaign marked Pearce-Paul’s first season in the NRL, having made the move from the Super League before he featured 22 times in first grade.
Pearce-Paul reportedly hasn’t ruled out remaining at the Newcastle club, but he is set to sit down with rivals to discuss a potential move come November 1.
The Knights are reportedly desperate to retain the hulking forward, alongside Thompson who has emerged as the club’s front row leader.
At only 19-years of age, the gun back rower made his Super League debut and went on to debut for England in the 2021 World Cup.
Jayden Brailey, Jackson Hastings and Adam Elliott have all reportedly been informed they are free to sit down with rivals.
Aussie French leads Wigan to GF glory | 01:23
MORE NRL NEWS
‘NOT KEEN’: Hunt lifts lid on Dragons talks, still ‘open’ to QLD move
‘PRETTY COOL’: NRL future brothers in law to join forces in PM’s XII PNG clash
‘FEEL LIKE I AM’: Gun recruit ready to fill Eels’ No.1 void amid Gutherson bombshell
‘BEHIND REYNO’: Star rubbishes Broncos captaincy speculation amid Madge arrival
Daniel Saifiti, meanwhile, signed with the Dolphins after he was reportedly also tapped on the shoulder regarding his future at the Knights.
For Thompson, his current deal expires at the end of 2025 and is worth a reported $350,000 which is well below his market value.
Knights recruitment boss Peter O’Sullivan only joined the club mid-season and has made re-signing Thompson one of his priorities to build a title contender in the coming seasons.
O’Sullivan has reportedly offered Thompson an upgrade for 2025 and an extension, but Thompson will wait to see what else is out there.
Discussion about this post