Tony’s revived my KR career
KEINHORST FULL OF PRAISE FOR HEAD COACH AFTER THREE YEARS OF PROGRESS
JIMMY Keinhorst says Hull KR head coach Tony Smith has reignited his career.
The 31-year-old has become a key figure in the Rovers side and last week penned a one-year extension to extend his stay at Craven Park.
The German international has endured a mixed bag of fortunes during his time at the Robins since arriving in 2019, but has recently enjoyed a more central role, thanks he says, to Smith’s influence on his career.
“Tony has been brilliant,” said Keinhorst.
“The past three years, we have come on massively, and he has brought a great group together. His record speaks for itself, and he’s taken us to the next level. We appreciate the impact he’s made.
“He’s reignited my career the way he’s changed my role as a utility player.
“To have me on the bench or option all around the field is big now, with concussion and injury records. He has seen value in me, and I appreciate it from him.”
Keinhorst and his team-mates head into this weekend on the back of four straight defeats, but the Rovers man insists the dip in form is temporary, and their sole focus is competing at the top end of Super League like they did last time around in 2021.
“We needed the week off for sure,” he said.
“We wanted to be playing in Saturday’s final, but it wasn’t meant to be. We had some sore bodies, so the break was good for us to freshen up. We are looking to end the year on a high. We need to be more solid and consistent. We love playing at Craven Park, so this Sunday is a big game.
“We try not to look back on last year too much, but we are confident of turning our fortunes around. Performances will take care of themselves, but we know what’s needed. We ended the year well last year, but it’s totally different this time around, and we have to raise our game starting this weekend.”