LEEDS have lost a third player to Perth Bears, with England international prop Mikolaj Oledzki signing after repeatedly playing down the possibility of leaving in what would be his testimonial year.
The Rhinos announced on Tuesday morning the departure of Oledzki, the Polish-born 27-year-old who has played four Tests for England, at the end of 2026.
Centre Harry Newman and back rower James McDonald will also join the Bears under coach Mal Meninga.
The Rhinos said in a statement: “Oledzki agreed a new contract with the Rhinos last year but with a clause that he could speak to NRL clubs before an agreed deadline in 2026. Oledzki has now agreed a multi year deal in Australia for 2027 and beyond.”
Oledzki gave different sets of quotes to his current and future clubs.
Via Leeds, he was quoted as saying: “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 that I could not turn down.
“Now that 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.’
For the Bears audience, he said: “It’s 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.”
Leeds coach Brad Arthur described the development as “disappointing”.
“Whilst 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,” he said.
“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 that Ian Blease is doing to continue to build our squad for the future.”