Jake Moore grateful to be back in full-time environment with Ottawa Aces
Since being a kid, all Jake Moore ever wanted to do was play rugby league for a living – and he will get to do just that in 2021 with Ottawa Aces.
The 24-year-old came through the junior ranks at Wigan and represented England Academy before moving back home to Cumbria in 2017.
Moore enjoyed spells with part-time clubs Whitehaven and Workington while working full-time as a scaffolder.
The back-rower enjoyed his best season to date in 2019 with Whitehaven, scoring 11 tries and kicking 51 goals in 15 games.
Moore quickly became one of the standout forwards in League 1, and he has signed for newly-formed Canadian side Ottawa Aces for 2021.
“This is me getting back into full-time rugby,” Moore said. “Full-time rugby has always been something that I have wanted to do.
READ: How the Ottawa Aces squad is shaping up for 2021
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity, I’m 24 years of age now and rugby league is quite a short career so to get this opportunity is massive for me and my family. I’m really happy and grateful for the opportunity that Ottawa have given me.
“I was waking up at 5am to go and work as a scaffolder until 4pm and then I’d get home for a quick change of clothes to then go back out for two hours training. They are long days being a part-time player and it is hard graft but it has paid off with me now being able to get back into full-time rugby.
“Everyone is on a different path and a different journey with rugby league. My journey has taken a little bit longer to get back into a full-time environment but I’m really grateful for everything that has happened along the way.”
Really happy to be joining @ottawaaces for next season, really looking forward to the challenge ahead. Big thanks to @OfficialHavenRl for the past two years. Thanks for all the messages means a lot 👍🏼 https://t.co/dmSIWkjdUN
— Jake (@JakeJakemoore97) September 23, 2020
Moore didn’t make a first-team appearance for Super League side Wigan, but has gained valuable experience in the Championship and League 1 over the last four seasons.
The Cumbrian still dreams of playing in Super League one day – and is determined to make the most of his full-time opportunity with Ottawa.
“Super League is a long-term goal for myself,” Moore added. “I think with the way the club are recruiting and the route in which the club want to go down, I think Super League is more than possible.
“It is massive for me to be full-time. I’m going to be waking up everyday knowing that I’ll be doing something I love with a great bunch of boys.
“You are eating the right food, you are training hard and just enjoying life as a professional. I’ve always wanted this since I was a young kid.
“I know I won’t be playing at the highest level just yet but it’s a huge step in the right direction for me and it helps me get to where I want to be. I’m forever grateful for this opportunity and for Laurent (Frayssinous, Ottawa coach) for getting me back into the full-time game.”
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