Warrington-bound Greg Minikin has played his final game for Hull KR
Greg Minikin has played his final game for Hull KR
Warrington-bound centre Greg Minikin has played his last final game for Hull KR due to injury.
The 26-year-old, who will join Warrington on a two-year deal from next season, suffered an ACL injury in last week’s 26-19 win over his former club Castleford.
Minikin is facing a lay-off of around nine months and looks certain to miss the start of the 2022 season.
Hull KR coach Tony Smith said: “Unfortunately Greg Minikin has done his ACL, which is a real blow for Greg.
“He’s played his last game for the club and it’s a sad way for him to finish, particularly in the situation we’re in.”
Warrington coach Steve Price, who is leaving the Wolves at the end of the season to return to Australia, admits the injury to Minikin is a blow.
He said: “It’s shattering for the young kid.”
Former Leeds centre Jimmy Keinhorst admits he will have some big boots to fill as he prepares to deputise for injured winger Ryan Hall in Hull KR’s potentially make or break game against his old club on Friday night.
Keinhorst, who won the Grand Final with Leeds in 2015, is the most likely replacement for Hall but could also fill in at centre for Minikin.
Smith added: “Ryan has torn his deltoid, around the bicep area.
“We’re not sure if he needs an operation or not but, either way, he’s done for the season, as we first thought.”
Meanwhile, Keinhorst, who scored 32 tries in 93 appearances for Leeds from 2012-18, is getting his head around playing on the wing after spending much of his career either at centre or in the back-row.
Keinhorst, who was this week handed a new contract for 2022, has played in four of his club’s last five matches, two of them on the wing, and is ready to deputise for Hall if required.
He said: “They are big boots and a big shirt size as well. Wherever I’m asked to play I’ll be happy to be out there.
“He’s got some reputation so I’ll have to fill those boots as best I can.
“I played a couple of games on the wing at the beginning of my Leeds career but not much since then.
“But I’ve enjoyed it and, if that’s the position I’m picked for on Friday, hopefully I can do a job for the team and contribute to a good performance.”
Friday’s game is shaping up to be a straight fight for the last play-off place but both Hull KR and Leeds would be guaranteed spots beforehand if Castleford, currently seventh, lose their final game of the regular season against Warrington on Thursday.
