Mikolaj Oledzki

Hailing from Gdansk, Poland, and boasting a distinct combination of stature, explosive strength, and international pedigree, front-rower Mikolaj Oledzki relocated to England at nine years of age before ascending through the British rugby league development systems.

The 27-year-old prop forged an elite standing as a devastating ball-runner and authoritative defender, accumulating 199 first-class appearances across the English landscape during tenures with Featherstone Rovers, Bradford Bulls, and a highly decorated stint with the Leeds Rhinos. His resilient, uncompromising performances in the Super League earned him ultimate validation on the global stage, collecting nine caps for the England national team, which included frontline duties in the 2025 Ashes Series.

Oledzki’s move to the NRL injects proven tier-one international experience and championship-calibre power straight into the expansion club's foundational unit. Celebrated across the sport for his immense engine, post-contact drive, and capacity to anchor a dominant physical platform, he has cemented his status as one of the most dependable and imposing modern front-rowers. Giving the franchise a distinct northern hemisphere flavour, his relocation to Western Australia triggers a frontline reunion with fellow English internationals and Leeds teammates Harry Newman and James McDonnell, locking in a formidable British contingent within the club's inaugural top-30 playing roster.

After signing for three years, Oledzki is set to lead the Perth Bears engine room for their landmark campaigns spanning 2027 through 2029. The chance to challenge himself in the Southern Hemisphere's premier competition while carving out a new lifestyle for his young family in Western Australia served as the ultimate catalyst for this historic cross-hemisphere move. The Bears view the powerful enforcer as a marquee recruitment breakthrough and a foundational leadership pillar who will supply the exact aggression, elite background, and elite standards required to set a competitive tone from day one.

Head Coach Mal Meninga said securing a dynamic, consistent prop forward of Oledzki's international calibre was a massive milestone for the expansion club's recruitment strategy.

“Mik is a dynamic player who has established himself as one of the consistent prop forwards in the Super League competition,” Meninga said.