Castleford Tigers v Leeds Rhinos - Mikolaj Oledzki says Super League derby is 'must win' for visitors
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Oledzki was called up to train with England last month and has been arguably Rhinos’ best player in their eight competitive games so far.
Ever-present in 2021, the front-rower feels he is “making some big steps forward, individually”, but - at the same time - insists there is still a lot more in the tank.
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Hide AdAged just 22, Oledzki - who was born in Gdansk, Poland and took up rugby league as a teenager at Hunslet Warriors - already has 74 Leeds appearances under his belt and is an established first-choice prop in Betfred Super League.
He is still learning the game, but has made a conscious effort to work on his weaknesses and reckons that is paying off.
“There’s stuff I wasn’t happy with last year that stopped me reaching that next level,” Oledzki admitted.
“I feel like this year I have really stepped it up in those areas and my game is more fluent and more consistent.”
Oledzki identified defence as the main area of concern.
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Hide Ad“There were a few little areas that added up to one thing which was my D,” he said.
“That was the thing I wanted to improve on.
“I feel like this year my defence has been much better than in previous years.
“I feel my offense, my carries, are where I want them to be - though I do want them to be slightly better.
“I still have stuff to improve on and a long way to go before I am where I want to be, but I am happy with where I am at the moment.”
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Hide AdThat said, Oledzki - already an England Knights international - stressed: “The main thing is to start picking up some wins for the team.”
After seven of the regular season’s 25 rounds, Rhinos are ninth in Betfred Super League,
A defeat at Castleford Tigers tomorrow would leave them three wins adrift of their opponents, who hold the final play-offs spot.
Rhinos have managed just two victories, both against Wakefield Trinity and Oledzki conceded they need to get their season up and running.
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Hide Ad“It is always a huge game against Cas, they always seem to turn it up that extra bit against us,” Oledzki said.
“It is always tough and we have been struggling for a win lately so it’s a massive game for us - like every other game.
“The last few have all been massive, but this one is must-win for us.”
Tigers have lost their last two league matches and will want to build some form and confidence for next weekend’s Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final against Warrington Wolves.
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Hide AdThat means both teams are desperate for a win and Oledzki added: “Whenever we play Cas it is always a slightly bigger build-up than any other game.
“We know what’s coming and we are working hard to get the wrongs right.”
Tigers will have most of the support in a 3,600 all-ticket crowd, but Oledzki is relishing the experience.
“I’ve only played at the Jungle once, about two years ago,” he recalled.
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Hide Ad“We didn’t play there last year because of Covid, but I know, even though they are home fans, they create an awesome atmosphere, so I am really looking forward to it.”
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