ENGLAND prop Mikolaj Oledzki is the latest Leeds Rhinos player to confirm he will leave AMT Headingley at the end of this campaign and head to Australia.
Centre Harry Newman and backrower James McDonnell have already sealed moves to Perth Bears, who will enter the NRL next season.
Now Oledzki, 27, is to follow them and link up with legendary coach Mal Meninga, with a three-year deal agreed.
The Poland-born player, who made his Leeds debut in 2017 after coming through the Academy and has topped 180 appearances for the club, agreed a contract extension to 2028 with them early last year.
But it included a clause that he could speak to NRL teams before an agreed deadline this year, and it has been activated.
“This has been an extremely tough decision because of how much Leeds Rhinos means to me,” explained Oledzki, whose family moved to the UK when he was nine.
“Leeds Rhinos and Rugby League was so important to me growing up and I owe so much to the club for enabling me to live out my dream.
“This opportunity has come at the right time for me and my family to experience something completely new and was a chance I could not turn down.
“Now that things have been sorted, I can put that in a drawer and not worry about it again until the end of the season.
“I have total faith and belief in this group of players and coaches that we can achieve something special this season, and now that is my sole focus until the end of the year.”
Leeds sporting director Ian Blease said: “It is disappointing to be losing Mik from next season.
“We 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 him in 2027.
“We understand Mik’s desire to test himself in the NRL and for a lifestyle experience for his family.
“He 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.”
Coach Brad Arthur added: “While 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.
“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.”
Meninga is happy to have Oledzki on board for next season, saying: “Mik is a dynamic player who has established himself as one of the consistent prop forwards in the Super League competition. I’ve admired his game for a long time.”
Oledzki added: “The roster is starting to take shape and it’s exciting to think about playing in front of our fans in Perth. I’ve been told they are a loyal and passionate group.
“Most of all, I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my family over to Western Australia.
“Growing up in Poland I would never have thought I’d have the opportunity to live in Perth, but Rugby League has given me that chance. I love this game and will be giving it my all for the Bears in 2027 and beyond.”