Departing star Mikolaj Oledzki has spoken of his love for Leeds Rhinos and refused to rule out a return to AMT Headingley at some point in the future.

The front-rower, who came through Rhinos’ academy system and made his first team debut nine years ago, will move Down Under next month having signed a three-season deal with NRL club Perth Bears. His former Leeds teammates Harry Newman and James McDonnell will play alongside him for the Western Australia outfit which makes its debut next year.

Oledzki stressed his decision to leave, with a year remaining on his Leeds deal, was about testing himself in a new competition and experiencing a new lifestyle - and he pledged he’ll be keeping a close eye on Rhinos from 9,000 miles away.

“I will always be a Rhinos fan,” Oledzki vowed. “My kids have asked me if I can get the new shirt for them before we go.

Mikolaj Oledzki says he will always be a Leeds Rhinos fan. Picture by Callum Pilkington/SWpix.com.

placeholder image — Mikolaj Oledzki says he will always be a Leeds Rhinos fan. Picture by Callum Pilkington/SWpix.com.

“I don’t know what [name or number] they’ll get on the back, but this has been a massive part of my life. I have spent the big majority of my life at this club, I’ve spent as much time at Headingley or Kirkstall as I have at home, but I have absolutely loved my time here from when I was a 15-year-old kid to 27 now.”

Oledzki, a Challenge Cup winner in 2020, recalled: “I’ve made 200-odd appearances, had two kids, a lot has happened during my time playing for Leeds. Maybe we didn’t get all the trophies, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and I’m grateful for every time I’ve put the shirt on.

“It is a privilege; pressure is a privilege and there’s a lot of pressure that comes with playing at Leeds. The shirt does weigh a bit heavier. It’s a cliche, but it does feel like that - I have absolutely loved it.”

Morgan Gannon will be back at Rhinos next season having cut short his time at NRL club New Zealand Warriors. Quizzed if he could ever pull on the blue and amber jersey again, Oledzki said: “I’ve asked them to keep a bit of salary cap space so I can come back at some point! If I do come back to Super League in the future, I’d love to come back here.”