England’s Mikolaj Oledzki says ensuring the Ashes collection towards Australia finishes 2-1 feels nearly “life or death” after the Kangaroos clinched the collection win.
The Inexperienced and Gold took an unassailable 2-0 lead with a 14-4 victory at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, including to their 26-6 triumph at Wembley within the opening Exams.
It means England head to Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley Stadium on Saturday November 8 with all focus being on avoiding a collection whitewash.
For Oledzki, ending the primary Ashes collection in 23 years with a 3-0 whitewash is one thing that merely “cannot happen” and a bunch of “proud” English gamers can be doing every little thing of their energy to cease that taking place.
“Look, I wouldn’t say life or death, but it feels that way,” Oledzki advised Sky Sports activities.
“We’re a proud group. Carrying the England jersey for everybody means every little thing. Representing England is the best honour. Some gamers by no means get to do it.
“So these alternatives are very particular and it will possibly’t occur, you recognize? I am not even going to say it out loud, however it can not occur.
“We will make sure all eyes are on next week. You can’t do anything about it now, but all eyes are on next week and we’ll do everything in our power to make sure that it is a 2-1 series.”
The collection has been performed throughout some iconic stadiums, with Wembley internet hosting the opener and a sold-out Hill Dickinson Stadium the backdrop for the second Take a look at.
However now, the collection involves it is conclusion at one in all rugby league’s houses in Leeds in entrance of sold-out Headingley crowd.
For Oledzki, Headingley is a particular place the place he has performed just about his complete skilled profession and he’s anticipating the group to provide Australia an environment to recollect.
Certainly, it might have a “special place” in his coronary heart if he bought to be concerned in that second.
“It is a special place. I’ve played there since I was a kid. I’ve been at Leeds since I’ve started my career. Headingley has got a special place in my heart,” he added.
“Look, it’s absolutely breathtaking, these stadiums are great. The atmosphere at Hill Dickinson was amazing.
“However Headingley, I believe you will not get the 50,000 in there, however the numbers you’re going to get in there would be the loudest and most intimidating. You will get a correct Northern welcome.
“We’ve got great fans, we’ve got amazing fans, and I’m 100 per cent sure they’ll get behind us.
“I do not suppose among the lads within the Australian jersey would have skilled an environment prefer it. So it is an incredible stadium stuffed with wealthy historical past.
“Being a Leeds lad, it would mean the world to me, to get to pull on the jersey again and represent England, my family, at a stadium that’s got a pretty special place in my heart.”
Rugby League Ashes 2025
First Take a look at: England 6-26 Australia
Second Take a look at: England 4-14 Australia
Third Take a look at: Saturday November 8, Headingley Stadium, Leeds
