Brad Arthur’s first words as Leeds Rhinos confirm “disappointing” Mikolaj Oledzki exit

Leeds Rhinos will lose another of their stars at the end of the season, with Mikolaj Oledzki departing the club to sign with Perth Bears.

Oledzki, who made his debut for the club in a hefty Challenge Cup win over Doncaster back in 2017, has been such an integral member of the Rhinos side, and has been the frontman of the forward pack for a number of years.

However, 2026 will be his final campaign wearing blue and amber, as he joins teammates Harry Newman and James McDonnell in making the move to Western Australia.

The 2022 Dream Team member currently has four England caps to his name, with two of those coming in the recent Ashes defeat to Australia, where he featured off the bench at both Everton and Headingley.

Leeds head coach Brad Arthur has given his first thoughts on the prop’s exit, and whilst the loss is certainly a blow, he backs the club to find an adequate replacement for the Polish-born forward.

“Whilst it is disappointing to be losing Mik for next season, as I have said previously, that will give opportunities for others, whether that is young players in our system or those who want to come and play for the Rhinos,” Arthur said to the Leeds Rhinos website.

“Mik is a homegrown product, who will have got his chance originally because a senior player had moved on, it is the nature of professional sport and I trust in the work that Ian Blease is doing to continue to build our squad for the future.”

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“Number of options” – Leeds Rhinos director comments on Mikolaj Oledzki move

Ian Blease, the club’s Sporting Director, revealed: “It is disappointing to be losing Mik from next season.

“We had agreed a long term deal with him last year to show our commitment to him which included our board of directors agreeing to a testimonial for Mik in 2027.

“We understand Mik’s desire to test himself in the NRL and for a lifestyle experience for his young family. Mik will continue to give his all for the Rhinos this season and our recruitment plans for 2027 continue, with a number of options now available to us.”