Leeds Rhinos’ Oledzki Denies Perth Bears NRL Move Rumours

Key Points

• Leeds Rhinos’ England prop Mikolaj Oledzki has publicly dismissed reports linking him to the Australian club Perth Bears.
• A media report claimed Perth Bears, set to join the NRL in 2027, have “set their sights” on signing Oledzki, a powerhouse forward and twice-named Rhinos’ player of the year.
• Oledzki progressed through the Leeds Rhinos academy system and is contracted to the club until the autumn of 2028, under a deal signed 13 months ago.
• Fellow Rhinos players Harry Newman and James McDonnell will join Perth Bears when their contracts expire at the end of this season.
• Oledzki spoke out at the Betfred Super League season launch in Manchester on Wednesday, expressing bafflement at the claims.
• He emphasised his long-term commitment to Leeds, noting it will be his 10th year with the club next year and his eligibility for a testimonial.
• The Poland-born front-rower featured for England in last year’s Ashes Test series against Australia.
• Oledzki stated he is happy at Leeds, excited for the upcoming season, and focused on club ambitions like improving on last year’s top-four finish.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 4, 2026 – Leeds Rhinos’ England international prop Mikolaj Oledzki has firmly rebutted speculation linking him to a move to the Australian club Perth Bears ahead of their entry into the NRL in 2027. The powerhouse forward, who has twice been named the Rhinos’ player of the year after rising through the club’s academy, insisted there is no truth to reports that Perth have “set their sights” on him. Oledzki, committed to Leeds until the autumn of 2028 under a contract extension signed 13 months ago, addressed the rumours directly at the Betfred Super League season launch in Manchester on Wednesday.

Who is Mikolaj Oledzki and What Are His Ties to Leeds Rhinos?

Mikolaj Oledzki, a Poland-born front-rower, has become a cornerstone of the Leeds Rhinos squad over nearly a decade. Having made his debut for the club a year shy of ten years ago, Oledzki is eligible for a testimonial next season, marking a significant milestone in his career.

As reported in the Yorkshire Evening Post coverage of his contract extension, the history-maker signed a new four-year deal until the end of 2028, underscoring his loyalty to the Headingley outfit.

Oledzki’s journey with Leeds has been one of steady progression from academy product to England international. He featured prominently for England in last year’s Ashes Test series against Australia, showcasing his international pedigree after tough conversations led to his recall, as detailed in Yorkshire Evening Post reporting. His accolades include two player of the year awards, reflecting his status as a key forward in the Betfred Super League.

What Did the Perth Bears Rumours Entail?

The speculation originated from a media report claiming that Perth Bears, the new NRL expansion club set to join the southern hemisphere competition in 2027, had targeted Oledzki as a marquee signing. This claim surfaced amid confirmed departures from Leeds, with Harry Newman and James McDonnell both poised to join the Bears when their Rhinos contracts expire at the end of this season.

Newman’s move follows his confirmed departure, where he made a silverware vow, according to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist coverage, while McDonnell opened up about his Perth ambitions and vowed to exit Super League with impact.

Unlike his teammates, Oledzki’s situation differs markedly due to his long-term commitment. The Bears’ interest, if accurate, would represent a high-profile coup for the fledgling club, but Oledzki’s response has poured cold water on the narrative.

How Did Oledzki Respond to the NRL Link Claims?

Speaking at the Betfred Super League season launch in Manchester on Wednesday, Oledzki expressed surprise and dismissal of the reports. As quoted directly in the Yorkshire Evening Post, he said:

“No, I have got a long-term deal at Leeds. It came as a surprise to me seeing the reports. My dad sent it to me and he was as surprised as everyone else. I am a Leeds player and I’m contracted for the next three years.”

Oledzki continued, reinforcing his focus:

“It’s my 10th year next year and there’s plenty of things there to look forward to. People are entitled to free speech and can write what they want, but I’ve got an opportunity to tell you that at the moment, there’s nothing in it.”

He added:

“I’ll pour a bit of cold water over it because I’m happy at Leeds and excited for the season ahead. We’ve added some great additions for the year coming and we finished top-four last year, but we want to go even further this time. We want to put a few things right and that’s all I can give you.”

The 28-year-old stressed his deep-rooted connection to the club:

“I’ve got a lot to play for at Leeds, with [being in the first team] 10 years next year. I’ve had a great career at Leeds and loved my journey here. It only feels like yesterday I made my debut.”

Why Are Players Moving to Perth Bears from Super League?

Perth Bears’ entry into the NRL in 2027 has sparked a wave of interest from Super League talents seeking new challenges in Australia. Harry Newman, a Leeds centre, has confirmed his departure with a vow to win silverware, as covered by Yorkshire Evening Post journalists. Similarly, James McDonnell, another Rhinos star, has openly discussed his move, stating his intent to “go out of Super League with a bang,” per the same outlet’s reporting.

These transitions highlight a growing pipeline between British rugby league and the expanding NRL landscape. For Oledzki, however, the timing and his contract preclude any immediate shift, positioning him as a stabilising force at Leeds amid these changes.

What is Oledzki’s Long-Term Future at Leeds Rhinos?

Oledzki’s comments leave little doubt about his immediate plans. With three years remaining on his deal, he is fully invested in the Rhinos’ ambitions. Last season’s top-four finish provides a platform, bolstered by new signings, for a deeper playoff run. His role in the England setup, including the Ashes series, further cements his value.

The forward’s testimonial eligibility next year adds personal incentive. As he reflected, his journey from debutant to stalwart has been fulfilling, and he aims to extend that legacy at Headingley.

How Does This Fit into Broader Super League and NRL Trends?

Rugby league’s global dynamics are evolving, with NRL expansion clubs like Perth Bears actively recruiting from Super League.

This mirrors previous high-profile moves and underscores the allure of Australia’s professional setup. For Leeds, retaining Oledzki amid departures like Newman and McDonnell maintains forward strength.

Oledzki’s measured response exemplifies player professionalism, prioritising facts over speculation. His statements, delivered at a key season launch, reassure fans and the club hierarchy.

What Challenges Lie Ahead for Leeds Rhinos?

Entering the new Betfred Super League campaign, Leeds seek redemption after falling short of major honours. Oledzki highlighted the need to “put a few things right,” pointing to heightened expectations. New additions to the squad signal intent, with Oledzki anchoring the pack.

Balancing international duties, domestic competition, and contract stability will test the Rhinos. Oledzki’s commitment provides continuity in a fluid transfer market.

Broader Context: Oledzki’s England and International Pedigree

Oledzki’s selection for England’s Ashes campaign last year followed personal battles and recalls, as chronicled in Yorkshire Evening Post features. His Poland heritage adds diversity to the England squad, enhancing his profile.

This NRL link, though dismissed, spotlights his marketability. Yet, his words affirm Leeds as home.