Rhine River Rhinos recently announced that World Champion, Jim Palmer would be returning to the club for the upcoming season. Palmer returns following centralisation with the GB squad and a seasonal stint at Sheffield Steelers last season. Rollt.’s Dylan Cummings spoke with Jim about his return to Wiesbaden.
Why did you choose to return to Rhine River Rhinos?
“I decided to return to the Rhine River Rhinos as I really enjoyed the previous two years that I have played there. I made some good friends and teammates during my time with the team and I am looking forward to another season with them.”
Why did you choose to move back abroad, decentralise and leave Steelers?
“I made this decision to try and gain some confidence whilst playing in a competitive league that allows me to develop my personal game further.”
Due to the line-ups Steelers played last season you didn’t seem to get many minutes; do you feel like this hampered your development?
“I do feel like it hampered my development a little as I believe that it’s better to develop your skills with game experience as well as in training.”
Do you think maybe going back to London Titans would have been a better option last season in terms of court time?
“Potentially, but there is no guarantee. Regardless of court time, I enjoyed my season with the Sheffield Steelers.”
Unfortunately, you did not get selected for GB this year, how do you feel about this and what do you feel you need to do to get back into the final 12?
“It obviously wasn’t the result I wanted, but it has really motivated to work on my weaknesses in order to improve my game and have a better chance of making the Paralympic team.”
What new challenges do you think you will face when you return to playing in the RBBL?
“There will be a lot of tough games throughout the season which I am really looking forward to. However, the amount of travel I will be doing will increase with away games and flights back to GB camps.”
How do you think the styles of play will differ between Rhinos and Steelers?
“Honestly, I’m not sure.”
Many GB players have opted to play in Spain next season, what made you choose Germany over Spain?
“I chose Germany as it was a familiar environment for me as I know what to expect with the team and travel. This is important for me as one of my main goals for the season is to improve my confidence.”
What are some of your other goals for next season?
“My goals for next season are to bring my game back to where it was and then take it to the next level. I really want to be a playoff contending team with the Rhinos.”
How do you think British culture differs from German culture?
“The German culture has a lot more festivals throughout the year, from previous experience, those festivals are usually very busy and it’s a great opportunity to meet new people.”
How would you describe your style of play?
“I’m very much a pick and curl 1.0 but I’m also trying to develop my outside game.”
Has anyone specifically influenced you to play the way you do?
“No, not so much, I just feel like creating opportunities for others is beneficial in a team sport.”
What piece of advice has stuck with you throughout your career?
“Believe in yourself because if you don’t you can’t expect others to believe in you.”
If you could do a training session with three other players from anywhere in the world male or female to improve your skills, which players would you choose and why?
“Abdi Jama as we are the same classification and I learn a lot from him as he is currently the best 1.0 in the world. Patrick Anderson as his fundamental skills are insane and fluid. Even now he is working hard to improve and develop his game, coming up with unique drills to do so. Mariska Beijer as currently she is the best female player in the world and can be a very dominant player against males and females.”
Thanks for your time Jim.
Rollt. would like to thank Jim Palmer for the interview.
Jim Palmer Profile
Date of Birth: 23/04/1997 (aged 22)
Hometown: Chelmsford, Essex
Started playing: 2007
GB senior debut: 2018 World Championships – Hamburg, Germany
Classification: 1.0
Disability: Congenital Paraplegia
Future club: Rhine River Rhinos, GER (2016-18, returning September 2019)
Former clubs:
_Essex Outlaws, GBR (2007-09)
_GLL & Aspire London Titans, GBR (2009-16)
_Sheffield Steelers, GBR (2018-19)
Career Highlights:
_U22 European Champion 2014 – Zaragoza, Spain
_U23 World Champion 2017 – Toronto, Canada
_World Champion 2018 – Hamburg, Germany
Interview: Dylan Cummings | Photo: Steffie Wunderl