Oledzki: Play-off pain still hurts but foundations in place for next year

Prop Mikolaj Oledzki says Leeds Rhinos are still hurting from their shattering playoff defeat, but foundations have been laid for future success.

- by Peter Smith

Rhinos' 2025 campaign ended when they were pipped 16-14 by St Helens in a playoff eliminator at AMT Headingley. Leeds, who finished fourth in the Betfred Super League, didn't trail during the 80 minutes and were eight points ahead late in the tie, but Saints snatched it with a try after the hooter had sounded.

Along with Hull FC, Rhinos were the most improved team in the competition, having finished eighth in each of the previous two seasons. This year's points tally was eight better than last term and 12 more than they managed in 2023.

Assessing the campaign as a whole, Oledzki said: “It depends what you judge a successful season on. Probably starting the year, the main aim was to make the playoffs and give ourselves the best chance. I think that goal kind of changed along the way.