By JOHN DAVIDSON
LEEDS Rhinos coach Brad Arthur says the Perth Bears’ attempts to sign up a number of his key players may be “a touch annoying” but admits “it’s part of the game”.
Perth enters the NRL next year and is out to build its inaugural roster. The Bears have already signed Leeds back-rower James McDonnell and centre Harry Newman for 2027 and made a play for hooker Jarrod O’Connor, which proved unsuccessful.
The new NRL side is interested in acquiring prop Mikolaj Oledzki, with speculation the Bears are also keen on snapping up Rhinos halfback Brodie Croft.
Arthur said: “It might be a touch annoying but it’s part of the game. It’s just what it is.
“We should be proud that they’re going after four or five of our players, so obviously we’re doing something right. The system’s good, they’re obviously happy with our guys.
“They’ve done their homework on them, the type of people they are, the environment they thrive in, so obviously we’ve played a big part in that. And I’m all for the guys on getting promoted and challenging themselves.
“The club’s done a really good job in retaining the guys we want to retain.
“We’ve added some new guys and the guys that are moving on at the end of the year, we know they’re committed 100 percent to the team.”
Front-rower Oledski is contracted to Leeds for several years, but Arthur confirmed that the England international has an NRL clause in his deal.
The coach said Oledski has not made a call on his future.
“He hasn’t made a decision,” Arthur said.
“Mik’s been honest and obviously if the opportunity is too good, well, that will come down to him.
“But at this stage, he’s just bought a new house. He’s pretty comfortable.
“He’s got a young family, so it would be a big move for him.
“Clubs are going to have to entice to want to leave.”