Leeds Rhinos lose star player for 12-14 weeks and signing for 12 weeks

Leeds Rhinos have lost two players for at least 12 weeks.

Star prop and 2022 Dream Team member Mikolaj Oledzki has required surgery after the end of England’s Rugby League World Cup tournament.

Oledzki picked up an injury against Catalans Dragons in the play-offs but went on to help the Rhinos to the Grand Final in a similar scenario as to what we saw from former Rhino Stevie Ward in 2017.

Now though he will be on the sidelines for 12-14 weeks and will miss at least the first four games of the season which is the same for new signing Luke Hooley.

They have released the following statement:

Leeds Rhinos can confirm that prop Mikolaj Oledzki and outside back Luke Hooley have both had operations in the last week.

Oledzki and the Rhinos Performance team managed a shoulder injury in the latter part of last season. Following the Super League Grand Final, consultation with a specialist confirmed the injury may require surgery but could also recover with rehabilitation in the off season. The Rhinos agreed to Oledzki’s wish to play for England at a home World Cup unfortunately subsequent scans and further specialist opinion have now indicated that the prop required the surgery to fully heal from the injury. He will be side lined for 12-14 weeks.

New signing Luke Hooley suffered an ankle injury in training following an innocuous trip. He had surgery on Friday and will out for up to 12 weeks.