Mikolaj Oledzki is closing in on his return to Leeds Rhinos action: but it will not be this week. Oledzki underwent shoulder surgery after last year's Rugby League World Cup, which has so far ruled him out of Leeds' first five games of the new campaign.
There was some hope he could feature against unbeaten Catalans Dragons this Saturday, as the Rhinos look to secure a third win of the season. But Rohan Smith confirmed: "Not this week, no."
However, there is good news on the way, with Smith also revealing that Oledzki's rehabilitation is progressing well and Leeds fans could see him feature as early as the next fortnight.
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"He could be the week after, or the week after that," Smith said. "It is what it is, the choice to play for England then his shoulder during that period got a bit worse, and he needed the surgery.
"But as soon as he had that we knew he'd miss the start of the season. Mik is flying in training, he looks in really good condition, big and strong and he's getting a lot of team training done. It's about one last check off and then he'll be away."
The news will be a major boost for Leeds, with Oledzki likely to offer a huge lift for the Rhinos pack after an inconsistent start to the new season. Youngster Tom Holroyd has impressed in Oledzki's absence, but the England international, one of the Rhinos' most consistent performers throughout 2022, is undoubtedly a key part of Smith's plans for 2023.
And it seems he could now be back sooner rather than later.
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