Keinhorst keen for Rhinos starting spot

Leeds centre Jimmy Keinhorst is determined to nail down a regular spot in the Rhinos’ matchday 17 this season.

The 26-year-old has emerged as a first team player in the last couple of seasons at Headingley, playing in the back row as well as in his preferred position of centre.

With the depth of quality at Leeds, he has sometimes struggled to stay in the squad on a regular basis, but is determined to put that right in 2017.

“That’s been the case for the last few years,” he told Love Rugby League.

“I’ve been in and out the squad, because there’s so many quality players.

“Often, I was waiting on an injury to fill a spot.

“But my aim this year is to try and nail down a spot in that 17 week in and week out, by playing the best I can.

“Hopefully I can do that.

“I see centre as my position now, and hopefully I can nail down a spot there.”

Keinhorst is also sure that the squad will have learned from last season’s difficulties, where a sub-par Leeds found themselves playing for Super League survival in the Qualifiers.

“I think that’s what it was for everyone, a real learning experience,” he said.

“The club hadn’t gone through it in the past 10 or 15 years or so, so it was a bit different for everyone.

“I think you come though times like that stronger, and a bit more experienced.

“I think it’ll stand us in better stead for this year.”