While the perception of rugby league is that it is a northern sport confined often to its heartlands, it will be clear that is not the case when Kai Pearce-Paul runs out for England on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.
Pearce-Paul is a player that has gone over to the NRL and made waves, playing for the Newcastle Knights and will join Wests Tigers in 2026.
Born in Lewisham, Pearce-Paul started his rugby career in the capital and came through the system at London Broncos before eventually making his Super League debut for Wigan Warriors in 2020.
Now, he gets to be back in his hometown to represent his country, something he is not taking for granted.
Going from the London boy watching sport at Wembley Stadium to playing for England against Australia at the same venue will simply be the “pinnacle” of his young career to date.
“Obviously, the Ashes is something that hasn’t happened for a very long time now and I think that makes it that much more exciting as well,” Pearce-Paul said.
“Then to top it off, in my home country, in my hometown for the first game, London, Wembley. I am very excited for that and I guess there’s sort of the pinnacle of my career, I think being able to play in my hometown in front of all my family, all my friends.
“I’ve got so many people coming to watch me and doing it for my country is sort of the best thing I can ask for.
“Growing up, I’d come to Wembley and other big stadiums in London and England to come watch soccer teams, for example, and obviously rugby teams as well.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Mikey Lewis talks about Hull Kingston Rovers’ Grand Final win and going straight into England training for The Ashes against Australia
“I never thought I would be sat there in that crowd and be able to say that I’m going to play there for my country as well. It is a bit unreal really.
“I think it probably will hit me more when I run out on the field, where I’m playing and how big the situation is.
“To win or to beat Australia in my home country, in my hometown, in front of all my friends, family, I couldn’t describe a better feeling, to be honest.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
George Williams says leading out England against Australia in The Ashes is the ‘pinnacle’ of his career
As a player who plays out in Australia, it means Pearce-Paul is more accustomed to than most the talent England face in what looks an incredibly strong Australia side with the likes of Nathan Cleary, Reece Walsh, and Cameron Munster guiding them around the park.
Pearce-Paul is ready to give out any tips or tricks his team-mates need as they look to move 1-0 up at Wembley.
“I guess we have sessions for that, where we’re sort of learning and reviewing the opposition,” he added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
England head coach Shaun Wane has called on everyone in the country to get behind his team ahead of the Rugby League Ashes, which starts this weekend. They are looking to win the series against Australia for the first time in 22 years
“Obviously every player in that team is a threat. They’re playing for Australia for a reason.
“Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster, two great runners, the team is full of it. I could go with one to 17 if I really wanted to, but the boys are obviously aware.
“I guess obviously being there or being from Australia at the moment and playing in the NRL, I have a better gauge of certain players, how they like to play and stuff.
“So I’m sure I’ll be giving a few tips to some of the boys throughout the week anyway.”
Rugby League Ashes 2025
First Test: Saturday October 25, Wembley Stadium, London
Second Test: Saturday November 1, Everton Stadium, Liverpool
Third Test: Saturday November 8, Headingley Stadium, Leeds
Follow the first England vs Australia Rugby League Ashes Test from Wembley Stadium on the Sky Sports website and app, kick-off 2.30pm Saturday.
