Knights spike bold Wests Tigers bid for Kai Pearce-Paul despite Newcastle’s Tallyn da Silva play

The Knights have scuppered a bold Wests bid to secure a key signing early, after Newcastle made their own overtures about a Tiger set to hit the open market.

Newcastle are ready to hold onto Kai Pearce-Paul for the remainder of the season, scuppering the Wests Tigers’ bid to get their hands on the English international six months ahead of schedule.

This masthead understands that the Knights discussed the future of Pearce-Paul on Monday and decided that they were reluctant to make changes to their roster unless something dramatic changed over the next week leading into June 30.

Newcastle’s Kai Pearce-Paul is on his way to the Tigers, but not until next season. Picture: Getty Images

The Tigers had raised the prospect of securing Pearce-Paul before the June 30 deadline after the Knights approached them over the future of hooker Tallyn da Silva.

Da Silva, who has another year remaining on his deal, is set to begin talks with rival clubs as early as this week, having been given permission by the Tigers to explore the open market.

The Tigers have already secured Pearce-Paul for next season but after being approached by the Knights over da Silva, furtive talks were held about the prospect of getting their hands on Pearce-Paul before June 30.

Chief executive Shane Richardson was willing to consider the idea in a bid to provide coach Benji Marshall with some additional ammunition over the remaining weeks of the season.

Tigers young gun Tallyn Da Silva could be on his way out of the club. Picture: NRL Photos

However, it is understood the Knights have decided to hold onto Pearce-Paul for the remainder of the year as they look to give their coach Adam O’Brien the best chance to push for the finals.

While Pearce-Paul looks set to stay put, da Silva has already indicated to the Tigers that he will leave the club at the end of his existing deal - which has one year left to run - should they retain hooker Api Koroisau on a long-team deal.

Koroisau and the Tigers have opened talks over an extension which would see him stay at the club beyond next season.

Originally published as Knights spike bold Wests Tigers bid for Kai Pearce-Paul despite Newcastle’s Tallyn da Silva play