Poles apart - Leeds Rhinos forward set for a Challenge Cup final first against Salford Red Devils

Mikolaj Oledzki is on course to become the first player born in Poland to appear in rugby league’s oldest showpiece when Leeds Rhinos take on Salford Red Devils on Saturday.

Oldedzki was born in Gdansk and took up rugby league only eight years ago, aged 13, after his family moved to Leeds.

His achievement has not gone unnoticed in his country of origin and, after Rhinos beat Wigan Warriors in their semi-final, the Polish embassy’s official Twitter account posted a message of congratulations to the 21-year-old.

“It is great, as a Polish lad, to have this milestone,” Oledzki said.

“I have had my name down as the first for a few things and it is always nice.

“I am sure my family will be watching and keeping an eye out.”

Unfortunately, no supporters - including players’ families - will be admitted to the behind-closed-doors final, something Oledzki described as “heartbreaking”.

He said: “We, as players, were hoping to have our families there, because getting to Wembley could be - hopefully not - a once in a lifetime thing.

“It would be great to have families there, but it is what it is and Covid is a serious thing happening at the moment so we just have to follow the rules and regulations and we can’t really do much about it.”

Oledzki, who made his first-team debut in a Challenge Cup win over Doncaster three years ago, has already been capped by England at academy and Knights level and is tipped to be a future Test front-rower.

At 1.90metres (6ft2ins) and 110kg (17st3lb), the Hunslet Warriors product has the physical attributes needed to play at the highest level and his skills set is improving year on year.

He has been one of Rhinos’ top forwards this season, touching down three times in 14 appearances, including tries in both of Leeds’ Betfred Super League wins over Salford.

Little seems to faze him, but Saturday’s occasion will be on a different level to anything he has experienced before.

“It is a dream,” he said. “After the semi-final I couldn’t really sleep, I couldn’t really believe what we’ve achieved.

“A lot of us in the team are young lads and we’ve come through together - me and Cam [Cameron Smith] and a few others have been through that tough period, the transition period and for us it is not just getting to a final, it is that relief of being able to compete for trophies.

“It is awesome, really good.”

Oledzki is also pleased for the team and club, following some poor seasons.

“The last few years haven’t been the easiest for us,” he conceded.

“We have been in some battles, but at the wrong end of the table.

“It is an amazing achievement for us as a team, to see how far we have come in the space of a year.

“I am over the moon for us as a team that we have achieved something special in a short space of time.

“I and everyone in the team and around the club is super-excited. We haven’t been there in a while as a club, so it is good to get the club back to where it should be, competing for trophies.”

That said, getting there is only half the job.

“Without a doubt we are capable of putting a great performance in at Wembley,” Oledzki said.

“But, then again, it is a big day and Salford are a great team as well.

“It is about performing on the day and it is going to be a tough game.

“We know that, it will be a big battle for us but I think, as a team, we are ready to step up to that challenge and, hopefully, put in a good performance.”

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins