Leeds Rhinos prop Mikolaj Oledzki says his inclusion in the England squad has given him “a kick up the backside” as he bids to recapture his best form in a World Cup year. The Poland-born star is set to feature in Saturday’s mid-season international against the Combined Nations All Stars at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Oledzki played in last season’s game – which England lost 26-24 in Shaun Wane’s first match in charge – and was involved again in the end-of-season Test victory against France in Perpignan. The imposing 23-year-old has, by his own admission, not produced his best form consistently for Leeds this year but says his call-up has poured confidence into him ahead of this weekend’s clash.
Oledzki told Rugby League Live: “My form for Leeds this year has not been as good as I’d like it to be. I think I’ve been quite a way off from where I want to be and where I was getting to last year.
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“You start doubting yourself and your ability when you’re not playing well and hit a bit of a rough patch. This week has really given me a kick up the backside to get back to where I need to be because Shaun is showing a lot of confidence in me.
“I want to repay that by getting back to playing my best rugby and putting in a good performance this week. That’s definitely something I’ll be working on in the second half of the year.
“I know that if I want to be knocking on the door for the World Cup squad then I need to lift my performances and really improve on the little things in my game that I’ve let slip a little bit. This is the first international game of the year and a huge opportunity to make a good impression.
“I know there are a lot of world-class players from the NRL who aren’t here right now, so I need to get my foot in the door and make the most of this chance. I need to show Shaun that he can trust me in a World Cup year because, for me, being picked to play for England at such a massive tournament is the biggest achievement you can have as a player. It’s a long road to get there and it starts this week for me.”
Oledzki played against Rhinos team-mates Kruise Leeming and Matt Prior in last year’s fixture against the All Stars. For this weekend’s game, All Stars head coach Ellery Hanley has included Leeds quartet Leeming, Prior, Rhyse Martin and Zane Tetevano in his squad.
Oledzki, who has represented England at Under-16, Under-18s and England Knights level, is set to make his third senior appearance this weekend.
He added: “My dad, my girlfriend and my daughter will be at Warrington on Saturday, so every time I get to pull on the England jersey is a very proud moment for me. I’m honoured to be given this opportunity every time I play, so all my family will be there supporting me.
“Hopefully we can get the win after losing this fixture last year. I really want to get the win this weekend, especially with Kruise playing and the other Leeds lads!
“Kruise is a great player and will be one to watch out for and it will be good to play against him, Matt Prior, Zane and Rhyse. But the priority for us is to get a result. I want to go back to Kirkstall on Monday with a good win under my belt.”
Oledzki is expecting another brutal encounter, adding: “When you look at the All Stars team, they have got a big, physical side. It’s something that we’ve definitely looked at and talked about, but on the other hand we know what we have to do. As a middle, it’s my job to make sure we match them up front.”
