Mikolaj Oledzki Pledges Leeds Return Before Perth Bears NRL Move 2026

Key Points

• NRL Move Confirmed: Mikolaj Oledzki has signed a three-season contract with the Perth Bears, commencing ahead of the Western Australian club’s debut National Rugby League (NRL) season.
• Early Contract Release: The front-row forward is departing Leeds Rhinos with one year remaining on his existing deal to pursue a new competition and lifestyle.
• Familiar Teammates: Former Leeds teammates Harry Newman and James McDonnell will join Oledzki at the Western Australia outfit.
• Return Pledge: Oledzki expressed a strong desire to return to Leeds Rhinos later in his career, declaring he will “always be a Rhinos fan.”
• Family Support: Oledzki revealed his children have asked for the new Leeds Rhinos shirt to take with them when the family relocates Down Under.

LEEDS (The Leeds Times) October 28, 2026 – Leeds Rhinos front-rower Mikolaj Oledzki has confirmed his departure from the Super League side ahead of a three-season commitment with incoming NRL franchise the Perth Bears, pledging to keep a close eye on his boyhood club from 9,000 miles away.

The England international forward, who progressed through the Rhinos’ academy system before making his senior debut nine years ago, leaves Headingley with a year remaining on his contract. Joining him in Western Australia will be former Leeds teammates Harry Newman and James McDonnell, who have also committed to the expansion outfit as it prepares to enter the NRL competition next year.

Reflecting on the decision to move Down Under next month, Oledzki stressed that the transition was motivated by a desire to test his capabilities in the Australian competition and embrace a new lifestyle with his family. Despite the move across the globe, the prop forward insisted his affection for the West Yorkshire club remains intact, pledging that a potential return to Headingley in the future remains at the very top of his agenda.

“I will always be a Rhinos fan,” Oledzki vowed, revealing that his children have asked to secure the latest Leeds home jersey before the family sets off for Australia.

Why Is Mikolaj Oledzki Leaving Leeds Rhinos for the Perth Bears?

The decision to step out of the Super League environment comes after nearly a decade of continuous service in Leeds colours. Having established himself as a cornerstone of the Rhinos pack, Oledzki noted that the opportunity to compete in the NRL represented a professional challenge he felt compelled to pursue at this stage of his career.

Addressing the rationale behind departing early from his Leeds contract, Oledzki explained that the motivation was rooted entirely in self-improvement and personal growth. Stepping out of his long-standing comfort zone in West Yorkshire allows him to test his game against the world’s premier rugby league competition while offering his family an enriched lifestyle experience in Western Australia.

Despite entering the final year of his deal at Headingley, the management at Leeds Rhinos agreed to accommodate the move, granting the forward an early release to facilitate the three-year contract with Perth.

How Will the Presence of Former Leeds Teammates Ease the Transition to Perth?

A crucial factor in the transition to the newly formed Perth Bears is the presence of familiar faces. The Western Australia franchise has actively recruited from the Super League to build its inaugural squad, securing the signatures of both center Harry Newman and back-rower James McDonnell alongside Oledzki.

Having spent years building on-field chemistry and off-field friendships at Headingley, the trio will form part of the core foundation as the Bears establish their identity in the NRL. Oledzki acknowledged that sharing the relocation journey with long-time colleagues provides a valuable support network, softening the cultural and logistical adjustments required when moving 9,000 miles to the southern hemisphere.

The alignment of three former Leeds players at a brand-new franchise highlights the strong reputation of the Rhinos’ youth development system on an international scale, while ensuring a strong West Yorkshire connection within the Perth dressing room.

Could Mikolaj Oledzki Return to Headingley in the Future?

Although his immediate focus centers on establishing himself in Australia, Oledzki left no doubt regarding his long-term desire to pull on the blue and amber jersey once again. Having made his first-team debut nine years ago after rising through the club’s youth setup, the prop forward maintains a deep-seated emotional attachment to Leeds.

Emphasizing that his departure is not a definitive farewell to the club, Oledzki stated that he intends to follow the team’s progress meticulously from afar. His commitment to remaining a vocal supporter is shared by his young family, who have requested to pack the newest Leeds Rhinos playing kits for their journey to Australia.

Oledzki made it clear that should the opportunity arise following his tenure in the NRL, a return to Leeds Rhinos would be his absolute priority, framing this move Down Under as a chapter of professional development rather than an absolute conclusion to his Headingley story.

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Background of the Perth Bears and Leeds Rhinos Transition

The departure of Mikolaj Oledzki marks a significant milestone in modern Super League transfers to the NRL. Raised through the Leeds Rhinos academy, Oledzki developed into one of the competition’s most consistent front-rowers, earning international honors for England and making over 150 appearances for the West Yorkshire club since his debut nine years ago.

The Perth Bears represent the NRL’s newest expansion franchise, established to expand the footprint of rugby league into Western Australia. To construct a competitive roster for their inaugural season, the Bears’ recruitment strategy focused heavily on acquiring proven talent from both domestic Australian channels and the European Super League.

By securing Oledzki alongside Harry Newman and James McDonnell, the Perth club has acquired a ready-made trio with existing synergy and extensive top-flight experience.

For Leeds Rhinos, permitting a key forward to leave with one year remaining on his contract reflects a broader modern trend of Super League clubs supporting player ambitions to test themselves in Australia, while maintaining positive relationships for potential future returns.

Prediction: How This Development Will Affect Leeds Rhinos and Super League Supporters

The relocation of Mikolaj Oledzki, Harry Newman, and James McDonnell to the Perth Bears will have both immediate and long-term implications for Leeds Rhinos and the wider Super League landscape.

• On-Field Impact for Leeds Rhinos: In the short term, the loss of an established international prop forward leaves a substantial void in the Rhinos’ front-row rotation. The coaching staff will need to either re-invest saved salary-cap space into high-caliber replacement forwards or accelerate the development of young front-rowers within their current academy pipeline to maintain forward momentum.
• Super League Talent Drain: Oledzki’s move reinforces the persistent pull of the NRL on elite Super League talent. As Australian clubs continue to offer competitive salary structures and lifestyle options, Super League sides face an ongoing challenge to retain top-tier homegrown players during their prime athletic years.
• Fan Engagement and Future Returns: For the Leeds Rhinos faithful, Oledzki’s open pledge to return provides reassurance. Rhinos supporters are likely to follow the Perth Bears’ inaugural season with keen interest, tracking the progress of their former stars. Should Oledzki return to Headingley after his three-year stint in Perth, Leeds stand to gain a significantly more experienced, battle-tested leader hardened by the intensity of the NRL.