Kai Pearce-Paul has backed second row partner Junior Nsemba to make an impact at Rugby League World Cup 2026 as the pair reflected on their pride in representing England.

Pearce-Paul played alongside Nsemba at Wigan before moving to the NRL and can't wait to see the 22-year-old unleashed in England's opening World Cup clash with Tonga at HBF Park on Saturday.

"He's a real star," Pearce-Paul said. "If you like exciting rugby, he's the sort of guy you want to be looking at.

"He's a halfback's worst nightmare. This year he's found some really good form and he's dominating at home."

Pearce-Paul and Nsemba share a path to international rugby league that has been far from conventional.

Growing up in London, a region dominated by soccer, Pearce-Paul played both rugby codes before committing to rugby league and pursuing a professional career.

At 18, Pearce-Paul relocated to rugby league's northern heartland to join Wigan - a move that paved the way to the NRL with the Newcastle Knights before joining Wests Tigers this year.

Nsemba’s route to the England squad also began with a change of sporting direction.

“I started off at football. To be honest, I enjoyed it but I just wasn’t very good at it,” he said.

“So I switched over to rugby (league), I didn’t know what rugby was, but my dad’s mate recommended it.

“Back then, I didn’t really look at the bigger picture apart from enjoying my time with my mates and getting the wins.

"I feel like I’ve worked pretty hard for this. From starting in a different sport and converting to rugby, and now I’m committed to getting to this World Cup and just showcasing the hard work I’ve put in.”

Kai Pearce-Paul and Junior Nsemba are ready to rip in against Tonga.

Driven by family, history and pride, representing England means far more than rugby league to Pearce-Paul, who views every appearance in the white jersey as an opportunity to honour his family's sacrifices.

"To play in front of my family after everything they've sacrificed for me is the proudest thing I can do," he said.

"As an English boy, playing for England is the pinnacle of anything you can achieve."

One of Kai Pearce-Paul's clearest memories from his England debut came before kick-off at the last Rugby League World Cup, when he looked into the crowd during the national anthem and saw his grandmother overcome with emotion.

"Seeing her up there, she was tearing up. Making her proud in that game is a moment that sticks with me forever," the Wests Tigers secondrower said.

"When the anthem starts, I imagine my journey, recounting everything I've done to get to that moment." - ()

With England kicking off their World Cup campaign against Tonga in Perth on Saturday, Pearce-Paul will go head-to-head with Wests Tigers team-mate, Latu Fainu, who has been named to partner Isaiya Katoa in the halves.

"Tonga will be a great test for us. Especially with some of the players they've got and the combinations they've built," he said.

After a heartbreaking golden-point loss against Samoa in the semi-final at the 2023 World Cup, Pearce-Paul believes the new eligibility rules have deepened England's playing squad.

The squad has been strengthened by returning Newcastle winger Dominic Young, while 2026 premiership-winning Rooster Hugo Savala will make his Test debut in the centres.

The expanded player pool has enhanced England's depth, with Bulldogs prop Max King also making his Test debut and Titans utility AJ Brimson named to start at fullback.

"I think it'll be a different look for us," he said. "I always believe that England can win the World Cup."

Having previously worked under England's newly appointed head coach Brian McDermott at the Newcastle Knights, Pearce-Paul is confident the experienced mentor can make an immediate impact on the national side.

McDermott arrives with an impressive résumé, having guided Leeds Rhinos to four Super League premierships, as well as Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge success.

"He's a very proud Englishman, which is what we want as an English nation: someone who wants the best for our country and is proud to be English," Pearce-Paul said.

"He has a good defensive system. I think the boys will respect him and get around him."

Beyond Tonga, the 25-year-old is eager to face France in Perth on October 2 - a fixture that carries more than a century of international rugby league rivalry.

With England's men's, women's and wheelchair teams all featuring in a triple-header in Wollongong on October 30, Pearce-Paul is hopeful the travelling supporters can help create a home-away-from-home atmosphere.

"With three England games we should get a good turnout, I know the fans will be behind us," he said.

"I know what the English fans are like, they're not afraid to travel for an away trip and they love bringing the English culture wherever they go."