Leeds Rhinos man says one particular defeat could cost them the play-offs

Leeds Rhinos man Mikolaj Oledzki says one particular defeat could cost his side a play-off spot – and that it “really stung”.

For the Rhinos, this is a must-win game if they are to make the play-offs at the end of this year, with Leigh Leopards a point ahead, Salford Red Devils and St Helens two points ahead and Catalans Dragons ahead on points difference – in a fight for just two spots.

After missing four games with a rib injury, Mikolaj Oledzki is back in the 21-man squad, in a major boost for a side that has struggled for front-rowers all season.

He replaces Mickael Goudemand in the only change for Arthur’s side from last week.

Leeds Rhinos man says one particular defeat could cost them the play-offs

Speaking to club media, Oledzki said of his time out through injury: “Yeah, it’s been really frustrating to be honest. Well, I think it’s an expected answer.

“But I love watching the lads play, you know, being a spectator, being a massive fan, just supporting the boys and seeing how they’ve been ripping in every week.

“Hopefully this week is the week where I get to come back and start enjoying my footy again.”

Last time the sides met, it was a shock defeat which ultimately cost Rohan Smith his job.

Speaking about that game, Oledzki said: “I think after the last game against Hull where we got defeated. It stung that one, that was a pretty tough one.

“Those are the games that will cost us if we, for certain reasons, fall short at the end of the year.

“The ones that got away from us because we defeated ourselves really. But 100% it’s a game that we can put things right from the last time.”

He seems confident going into this one, concluding: “Brad’s here now. We play a certain way, we invest in certain areas, we prioritise different details in our game.

“Hopefully we’ll get the job done, and I’m sure we’ll get the job done, and we move on to next week.”