Jimmy Keinhorst has outlined the astonishing lengths he went to in order to play for Leeds Rhinos against New Zealand. The centre, who was part of the 2015 treble-winning squad, was one of the guest players in the club's defeat to the Kiwis at Headingley on Saturday.
The 32-year-old was only asked to play a little over 48 hours before kick-off. However, at the time he wasn't even in the country, having flown to Italy to attend the wedding of former Rhinos hooker and current Hull KR team-mate, Matt Parcell. Nevertheless, he agreed to play, despite being deep into his own off-season, and took to the field less than 24 hours after returning from holiday.
"I got a message off Jonesy (Jamie Jones-Buchanan) on Thursday," he said. "I was away in Italy at Matt Parcell's wedding. He put it out there to see if I fancied a run. I said yes as I kind of figured they were scratching around for players! I flew back into Manchester at three this morning (Saturday), so I'm tired now and off to bed. So yeah, back at three after a heavy wedding.
Read more: Leeds Rhinos make surprise pre-season fixture change with festive Boxing Day clash moved
"I probably am (mad), but it's always good to come back and play, and catch up with people. So it's all good. It was a very good wedding. It's four or five weeks since we finished up, so it's been a while since I've done any rugby-related training, then you've got people like that running at you. But it was good, a bit of a hit out for them, they got what they wanted out of it and Gary (Hetherington) got what he wanted out of it!"
Speaking on the opportunity to pull on the jersey again, he said: "It was good to be back and see a few familiar faces and catch up with them. It was a tough game against a strong Kiwis team. But it was good to play another game at Headingley. They're strong, powerful, it's a different kettle of fish to what we're used to. They'll be a tough challenge for anyone."
Read next
Luke Gale denied Leeds Rhinos farewell as suspension prevents final Headingley hurrah
Rugby League players launch landmark case against RFL which could results in millions paid out
Leeds Rhinos' Rohan Smith provides worrying Zak Hardaker future update following New Zealand defeat
Four New Zealand players who stood out against Leeds Rhinos
James Ford makes shock York City Knights exit with Super League move in the works
