Leeds Rhinos news: huge blow as 3rd star player to leave for NRL club Perth Bears at end of 2026

England prop Mikolaj Oledzki will link up with current teammates Harry Newman and James McDonnell at new NRL side Perth Bears on a three-year deal beginning in 2027. He is the fourth member of the existing squad to announce his impending departure, with loose-forward Cameron Smith having signed for Wakefield Trinity from next year.

Oledzki, 27, made his debut for Leeds in 2017 and would have been due a testimonial next year. He is contracted until the end of 2028 under a deal announced in January last year, but that includes a get-out clause allowing him to speak with NRL clubs before an agreed deadline this season. Oledzki said: “This has been an extremely tough decision to come to because of how much Leeds Rhinos means to me.

"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 things have been sorted for 2027, I can put that in a drawer and not worry about it again until the end of the season.

“Despite our setback last week [defeat at Wakefield Trinity in the Betfred Challenge Cup] I have got total faith and belief in this group of players and coaches that we can achieve something special this season and that is my sole focus now until the end of the year.”

Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease admitted Oledzki’s departure is “disappointing”. He said: “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.”

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 Ian Blease is doing to continue to build our squad for the future.”

Oledzki was born in Poland, but moved to England as a child and came through Leeds’ academy system. Announcing Oledzki’s signing at 9am today (Tuesday), their coach Mal Meninga said: “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 and I am thrilled to welcome Mik and his young family to Western Australia in 2027.”

In Bears’ statement, Oledzki – who last month denied reports linking him with Perth – added: “It has been an ambition of mine to test myself in the NRL and I am delighted to have the opportunity to do it with Mal Meninga and the Perth Bears. 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.”