Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
OLEDZKI PUTS THE RHINOS IN POLE POSITION
Leeds v Salford
Wembley, Saturday,ko 3pm THE Challenge Cup final has been littered with memorable stories over its 123-year history – but none quite like that of Mikolaj Oledzki.
When the Leeds Rhinos prop arrived here from Poland, aged eight, his main sporting interests were gymnastics and swimming, and he spoke barely any English.
On Saturday he will become the first Polishborn player to feature in a Challenge Cup final, and does so with the public best wishes of his country’s foreign embassy. Pockets of his family in Gdansk and Warsaw will be tuning in to watch the clash with Salford Red Devils.
It is the culmination of a remarkable rugby league journey that began as an excited teen on Headingley’s terraces.
Oledzki (above) recalls: “I remember my first game watching Jamie Peacock, Kylie Leuluai and Rob Burrow, and looking up to them all.
“My first time was in the old South Stand at Headingley and it was absolutely packed.
“It was cold, standing shoulder to shoulder with no room to move.
“But every time there was a try the stadium was electric with people jumping around and drinks flying all over the place. It was an amazing experience and from then I always dreamed of playing on that field.”
Oledzki’s own playing career progressed rapidly once he joined the Rhinos’ scholarship scheme. He has represented England Youth, Academy and Knights before becoming starting prop in Richard Agar’s side.
He puts his development down to sheer hard work and believes others from his native country could make the grade.
Oledzki adds: “Rugby league is slowly emerging in Poland and it would be great if it could expand.
“It’s a great sport to play and it’s one where you just need commitment, determination and hard work to be a success.
“Skill helps, but I’ve never been a skilful player – although I’m trying to improve on that.
“When I started to play rugby at about 13 or 14, if you’d told me I’d be on the Wembley stage at the age of 21 I’d have certainly not believed you.
“It’s awesome, you couldn’t write it.”
Saturday afternoon might yet provide Oledzki’s unlikely story with its most fascinating chapter yet.