"Special" Kai tipped to bring excitement to Wigan Warriors pack

The towering back-rower is among the fringe players who have started their second week of pre-season training.

Recruited from London Broncos more than a year ago, he showed glimpses of his promise in a young side beaten 42-0 by St Helens last season.

And assistant coach Matty Peet expects fans to see more of Pearce-Paul this year, especially as three more senior forwards have left and only one, John Bateman, has been recruited.

Joe Greenwood moved to Huddersfield at the end of last season while Jack Wells (Salford) and Sean O’Loughlin (retirement) have also left from the 2020 squad.

“We’ve got some strong back-rowers who Kai is learning from, and we expect him to be putting pressure on them for their spots in the team,” said Peet.

“When he does play, I think everyone will be excited to see him play.”

Ben Flower, who left Wigan at the end of last season to join Leigh, had earlier predicted Pearce-Paul could be a “special” talent if he fulfills his potential.

“He is still young and he’s a lot to learn, but he realises that, he’s humble and he works hard at his game,” continued Peet.

“London Broncos deserve a lot of credit for his development.”

He said the 19-year-old, who is also studying at the University of Central Lancashire, is not the only backrower expected to provide competition and cover to senior forwards Liam Farrell, Bateman and Willie Isa.

“We saw last year signs of what Joe Shorrocks can do and James McDonnell is there, too, and they’ll be hoping to get more opportunities this season,” added Peet, who is helping oversee pre-season training.