WIDNES Vikings and Leeds Rhinos have agreed to extend the loan spell of Jimmy Keinhorst.

Having completed his initial one month loan with the Vikings, Keinhorst, 27, will remain at the Halton Stadium, with the Rhinos able to recall him if required.

Keinhorst has played 80 games for the Rhinos, scoring 104 points. Keinhorst has made two appearances for the Vikings in his month loan and was ineligible for last Friday’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup clash between the two sides. He will be in contention to play for Widnes against St Helens at the Dacia Magic Weekend this Saturday.

With experience of featuring in a Grand Final, Challenge Cup Final and two World Club Challenges, Keinhorst has played at the highest levels.

He was recognised in 2016 with the Leeds Rhinos Supporters Player of the Year and Try of the Season awards.

Keinhorst said: “I was pleased to join Widnes Vikings on loan last month, giving me the opportunity to keep active and enjoy game time.

"I’ve really enjoyed my spell at the club, and I am excited to have this opportunity to continue to represent the Vikings further into this season.

"I’m looking forward to building some consistency, supporting the team to pick up points and climb the table.”

Denis Betts, Head Coach of Widnes Vikings, said: “We are grateful to Leeds for extending Jimmy’s loan spell at the Vikings. Jimmy is a quality, experienced player, who adds real threat to our edges.

"As he continues to settle into the team, we’ll begin to see the best of him. We are pleased to be able to extend the loan of someone of his ability.”