Leeds Rhinos England star speaks out on NRL link following Perth Bears claim

A media report claimed Perth, who will join the southern hemisphere NRL in 2027, have “set their sights” on signing the powerhouse forward, who has twice been named Rhinos’ player of the year after coming through their academy system. Leeds’ Harry Newman and James McDonnell will both join the Bears when their contract expires at the end of this season.

Oledzki, though, is in a different situation, being committed to Rhinos until the autumn of 2028 under a deal signed 13 months ago. Asked at today’s (Wednesday) Betfred Super League season launch in Manchester if there is anything in the report, Oledzki insisted he was baffled by the claim.

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. 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.”

The Poland-born front-rower, who featured for England in last year’s Ashes Test series against Australia, 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.”

Next year will be a decade since Oledzki made his Leeds debut and he will be eligible for a testimonial, which is an opportunity he’s keen to take up. He stressed: “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.”