Leeds Rhinos Prop Mikolaj Oledzki Exercises NRL Clause to Join Perth Bears Expansion Project in 2027

Leeds Rhinos prop Mikolaj Oledzki signs a 3-year deal with Perth Bears. Read about the NRL clause activation and the impact on the Rhinos' 2027 squad.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 5:28 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Love Rugby League

Perth Bears Continue Systematic Raid of Headingley Ranks

The structural integrity of the Leeds Rhinos' long-term squad planning has faced a substantial setback following the confirmation that Mikolaj Oledzki will migrate to the NRL. According to Matthew Shaw, the 27-year-old prop has finalized a three-year contract with the Perth Bears, becoming the latest cornerstone of the Leeds pack to be lured by the Australian expansion side. Oledzki’s departure follows the previously announced exits of teammates James McDonnell and Harry Newman, signaling a concentrated recruitment strategy by the Bears to build their inaugural 2027 foundation around proven Super League talent. This trend highlights a growing competitive tension between the two hemispheres as the NRL’s financial reach continues to expand into the European market.

Contractual Clause Opens Door for International Exit

The loss of the England front-rower is particularly stinging for the Rhinos given that Oledzki had only recently committed his future to the club with a contract extension last season. However, it has emerged that the agreement contained a specific NRL release clause, which the Perth Bears have now successfully activated. According to reports, this legal provision allowed the prop to bypass his remaining domestic obligations in favor of a career-defining move to Western Australia. While such clauses are becoming more common to retain elite talent in the short term, they leave Super League clubs vulnerable to mid-contract poaching from wealthy overseas franchises looking for battle-hardened forwards.

Oledzki Reflects on Emotional Departure from Homegrown Roots

For Oledzki, the decision to depart Headingley represents a significant emotional pivot from the club that facilitated his professional development. Having progressed through the Rhinos’ academy system to become one of the competition's most respected middle-unit players, the Polish-born prop expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities provided by the organization. He characterized the move as a rare chance for his family to experience a new environment, though he emphasized that his immediate focus remains on finishing the 2026 campaign strongly. According to Oledzki, now that his 2027 future is secured, he intends to dedicate his full energy toward achieving silverware with his current teammates before his tenure ends.