Mikolaj Oledzki fully focused on Leeds for now with an eye on World Cup
Leeds prop Mikolaj Oledzki has put the World Cup to the back of his mind for now, with his full attention being on club duties with the Rhinos.
The 23-year-old has matured into a regular first teamer for the Rhinos in recent years, making 82 appearances to date.
Oledzki, who moved from his homeland of Poland to England at the age of nine, won international honours at the end of last season. He earned his first England cap as they beat France 30-10 in Perpignan.
Oledzki would love to make Shaun Wane’s England team for this autumn’s World Cup. But he is fully focused on the season ahead in clubland with Leeds first and foremost.
He told Love Rugby League: “There is a World Cup at the end of the year and I’m sure a lot of the lads will step up their game this year and there will be plenty of competition for the spots.
“When I look around at our team (Leeds), it is exciting because there are loads of great players in our team and it also improves your performances. It is going to be an exciting year so hopefully a few of us can make our way through.”
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Oledzki might only be 23, but he has almost made 100 appearances for the Rhinos after breaking through into the first team at an early age.
So does he feel as though he needs to be more of a leader to the next generation of talent at Headingley?
Oledzki said: “It is not long ago since I was coming through so I still know what that feels like. In a way I still feel like one of the young lads!
“They are all great lads and whenever they get a chance they always put 110% in. They fit in. It is going to be exciting to play this year.
“The great thing is, is that we’ve got so much depth with the young lads that when they come in they do an outstanding job. That puts us in a good position as well. If we get hit by an injury or two we’ve always got players to step in and do a great job in that position for us.”
The Rhinos have fallen short in their first two games of the Super League season to Warrington and Wigan. Oledzki will aim to help Richard Agar’s side return to winning ways tonight when they take on Catalans Dragons.
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