Tony Smith heaps praise on Hull KR’s Mr Versatile Jimmy Keinhorst
Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix
Outgoing Hull KR coach Tony Smith has sung the praises of Jimmy Keinhorst after the centre signed a contract extension.
Germany international Keinhorst, 30, has been at Craven Park since 2019. He has now signed on for a further year until the end of 2023.
Playing in numerous positions so far this season, Australian Smith had only good things to say about Keinhorst.
“People like him, players that can adapt and cover other positions, they’re worth their weight in gold,” said the boss.
“In the versatility aspect of it, to be able to cover numerous positions is a real asset. It makes those players more valuable to the team.
“Jimmy just does his job and does it really well. He does a number of jobs, and he’s just happy to do that when asked. He’s a pleasure to coach as well, a terrific young man who trains really hard.
“He sets a good example for the younger guys too. He’s just a pleasure to work with.”
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Jimmy Keinhorst: Hull KR’s utility man
Germany’s all-time leading try and points scorer, Keinhorst still has his eyes set on the 2025 World Cup.
The Leeds-born centre has also been out on loan at both York and Castleford during his time with KR.
Only this season has he had a run of games consistently under Smith, but the boss still thinks of him as a shining star. Smith added: “It isn’t always spectacular, and it isn’t always noticed, but you need those players in your team.
“Occasionally he’ll make a mistake because he works so hard in other aspects. You can accept an error here or there because he’s done so many other things so well.
“He’s great with his appraisals of himself and others, very honest about it. He’s been a pleasure to coach.
“As soon as something goes a bit awry, Jimmy’s brilliant. He goes onto the field and does well, and he’s had some starting roles as well this season. He’s certainly not underrated in any means by his fellow players and his coach.”
Keinhorst will likely be in the KR mix once more this weekend. They host Salford Red Devils this Sunday.
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