Whitehaven RLFC have announced the return of Jake Moore to the club on a one-year deal.

Moore left ahead of the 2021 season to sign for Ottawa Aces when they were set to join League 1, but the pandemic delayed his new side's introduction.

He helped Workington Town as they secured promotion to the Championship but will be back in the chocolate, blue and gold again next season.

New head coach Jonty Gorley said: "It's great to have Jake back at Whitehaven.

"Before Jake left he was one of our better players in 2019 and he can cover a couple of positions – back row or centre – which will be good.

"Jake will be a good addition to the squad. The good thing with Jake is, he is a great lad who brings no baggage, plus he will be one of the fittest in the squad, there's no doubt about that, so it is good to have Jake back at Whitehaven."

Despite being limited to only 15 appearances in the 2019 season, Moore scored 11 tries and 51 goals for Haven, earning him a place in Rugby League World's League 1 team of the season.

Moore said: "I’m happy and excited to be back with Whitehaven, my hometown club that looks like it’s building after a brilliant year.

"The reason why I left at first was to fulfil a full-time role at Ottawa but that wasn’t meant to be due to Covid.

"I’ve got some good mates that play at the club which I’m looking forward to getting back playing and training with.

"Another big thing for me personally was coming back playing under Jonty; he did a lot for me in my progression in 2019 and I can’t wait to play under him again in 2022.

"Looking forward to getting back into pre-season with everyone."

Ashley Kilpatrick, club director and member of the football committee, said " I think everyone will echo my sentiments when I say we welcome Jake back home to the LEL Arena with open arms.

"Everyone understands why Jake left in 2020 to follow his dream of playing full-time rugby but sadly it never worked out for him.

"In 2019 Jake was a standout player for us, scoring tries for fun and amassing a load of points.

"I'm confident Jake can re-find the 2019 form as he always plays his best rugby for Whitehaven.

"He loves the club and he buys into what we are about and trying to do going forward.

"We as a club are absolutely delighted to have Jake back."