The Perth Bears have added another piece to their 2027 puzzle adding Polish-born international Mikolaj Oledzki to their roster for 2027.
Oledzki, who made the move to England at just nine years old has represented England on nine occasions and has enjoyed a long club career with the Leeds Rhinos.
Bears coach Mal Meninga is pleased to sign Oledzki who believes his game and style in the Super League can translate to the NRL.
“Mik is a dynamic player who has established himself as one of the consistent prop forwards in the Super League competition,” Perth Bears Head Coach Mal Meninga said.
“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,” Meninga said.
Although it is a tough decision for Oledzki to depart the Leeds Rhinos, the dream of his was to play NRL and now he has a chance to do that.
“This has been an extremely tough decision to come to because of how much Leeds Rhinos means to me,” Oledzki said.
“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.
“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.”
Oledzki admits that growing up in Poland, he never thought he would be able to live in Perth or play NRL.
“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,” Oledzki continued.
“I love this game and will be giving it my all for the Bears in 2027 and beyond.”
With three English internationals now in their inaugural roster, Perth Bears General Manager of Football David Sharpe knows the credentials that Oledzki comes with.
“Mik is a devastating ball runner and exceptional defender who is a very exciting addition to our roster,” Sharpe said.
“I’m very happy with our recruitment strategy and am confident there will be a few more announcements over the coming weeks.
“We also have our Tracks Academy set to launch in WA next month and a host of other initiatives with the North Sydney Bears and the Brisbane Tigers set to be unveiled.”
