Leeds Rhinos: Keinhorst rises to Cup challenge

IN-FORM CENTRE Jimmy Keinhorst says Leeds Rhinos can turn things around tonight.
Jimmy Keinhorst.Jimmy Keinhorst.
Jimmy Keinhorst.

Rhinos return to Huddersfield Giants a week after a costly 28-20 loss in First Utility Super League.

Their Ladbrokes Challenge Cup crown is on the line this time and another defeat would be a shattering blow in what has been a disastrous season so far.

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Giants out-scored the visitors five tries to three last week, but Keinhorst stressed: “We believe we can turn it around.”

He said: “We’ve played Huddersfield a few times over past years in the Challenge Cup and they have been good games for us, usually.

“We know we have got a job on.

“They proved a tough team to beat last Friday, but we believe we can do it.

“It was a bit frustrating we didn’t come away with the win, but it obviously wasn’t an 80-minute performance and that’s what you have to do.

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“We are confident we can go there and get the win this time.”

Huddersfield were the last team to beat Leeds in the Challenge Cup, winning 24-8 in a fifth-round tie on their ground on May 11, 2013.

Rhinos have won the competition for the past two years, but Keinhorst said they are hungry for more success.

“It is just as important as it ever has been,” he stated.

“Every season, every club is looking at getting to Wembley, just like us.

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“I have played there [when Rhinos lost to Warrington in 2012], but obviously it would be good to go one better and be part of a winning team there.

“For me that is a goal and hopefully I can take a step closer to that [tonight].”

Keinhorst was 18th man last year, when Rhinos rampaged to a record 50-0 thrashing of Hull KR.

But he claimed that won’t feature in his motivation this evening. He said: “You can’t dwell on things like that.

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“Obviously that was a disappointment, but this is a new season and you have to forget about that.

“Hopefully there will be plenty of opportunities to come and I’ve got to try and be part of that in the future.”

Last week’s defeat, coupled with victory for Salford against Hull KR, left Rhinos bottom of Super League, five points adrift of eighth place with just 10 games to play until the competition splits.

But Keinhorst believes a Cup run could kick-start their campaign and he insisted: “Winning breeds a bit of confidence, which we are probably a bit low on at the moment.

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“If we can get a win this week and build on that it will be good for us.”

The game a week ago was Keinhorst’s 43rd senior appearance for Leeds.

The tough-tackling German international has been of the few players to enhance his reputation this year, but he said: “There’s bits I am pleased with and bits I have to work on.

“But coming off after a loss, you don’t really dwell on that too much.

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“It is all about the team, I would sooner we were winning, to be honest.”

He added: “I am still learning, every week. That’s what you have to do in this game.

“You are faced with so many different scenarios on the pitch from week to week and you are challenged each time.

“I think every player should be learning each week and testing themselves to get better.”