The Rugby Football League announced this week it was granting a one-year long testimonial to Workington Town vice-captain Jason Mossop.

This was in recognition of Jason’s 10 years of professional service to the west Cumbrian club and service to the community and rugby league off the field.

Delighted with the testimonial, Mossop said: “I’d like to thank the RFL and the Workington Town board for granting me the testimonial.

"I’ve had 10 happy years here and it was a great honour to play my 200th game for the club recently.’’

Mossop played his junior rugby at Hensingham from Under-8 until he was 17 when he signed for Castleford. Castleford sent him out on loan to Doncaster and Batley to learn his trade and it was here that he met many players who are friends to this day.

He said:“My parents supported me all the way in my dreams of playing professional rugby. They also pushed me to continue in education to make sure that I had qualifications to fall back on at any time."

Mossop has a degree in Accounting and IT systems, a Masters Degree in Finance and a teaching qualification. After several years teaching, he now works as an engineer at Sellafield.

“While I was at Doncaster on loan, and just as I was about to sign my extended full-time deal with Castleford, I suffered a serious injury when I dislocated and broke every bone in my left wrist. My wrist was fused straight, I was in plaster for nine months, and I was advised never to play rugby again,” he added.

“Getting my qualifications was a way of keeping my mind occupied and making sure that if things didn’t work out I could pursue other dreams.’’

Mossop ignored the doctor’s advice. Friends from his Hensingham days, as well as Cas colleagues Shaun and Rob Lunt, then put him in touch with Workington.

Mossop said:“Then chairman Dave Bowden and current Director Les Ashe signed me and I’ve been here ever since."

Asked about some of his memories of his 13 years in professional rugby, he added: “I’ve played against some great players while at Workington but the best player I’ve played with here is probably Shaun Lunt. He is an absolute professional and I learned a lot from him in terms of training and approach to the game.

“The hardest players I’ve played against include Tony Tonks, now at Dewsbury, Menzie Erie, Dion Aiye. I think PNG players are the hardest, strongest, fittest , most difficult players to play against. My old room mate Rob Worrincy (Sheffield) and Craig Calvert (Whitehaven) are probably the fastest players I’ve played against.

"Craig was and still is a great finisher who can turn the defence with his pace and strength."

He added:“The biggest characters I’ve played with in recent times have been Brett Carter and Elliot Millerand ex-teammate Stephen Dawes (Workington). Real practical jokers that keep you on your toes."

Off the field, Mossop has a history of coaching youth rugby. While at Stainburn School, he took the school team to the National Schools Rugby League Final and helped Coach Steven Wallace whenever he could at Seaton Under-12s.

He said: “I miss teaching and helping kids to fulfil their potential through sport in particular. My parents were brilliant when I was growing up and finding my way in rugby league. My dad took me all over the country and pushed me really hard.

“I’d like to thank my parents for all they’ve done for me and I hope I’ve made them proud. I owe everything to them and I haven’t shown it enough over the years. I can’t thank them enough.’’

Mossops greatest memory? Making the Championship Grand Final in 2011.

“Although we lost, and let ourselves and the fans down that day, it was still a great experience,” said Mossop.

“Scoring a 50-yarder for Town at the Recreation Ground against Whitehaven in front of the Kells End. And the try to level the score in the last 20 seconds this season against Whitehaven are also special memories – we went on to win 30-28."

And Mossop’s worst time in rugby league? Relegation this season.

He said:“It’s been a tough season on and off the pitch with a lot of things coming together at once. But Town is a great club and I hope it will bounce back. I think a lot of changes will happen now. Once they are sorted we can move on on the field.

“I would hope that the club can build a strong local side and get some success at the club for the fans before I finally hang up my boots.

“I’d like to thank all the players, fans and officials at Town over the last 10 years. I can’t wait to get out and about in my testimonial year and meet old and new friends to share rugby league memories.

“It’s also a chance to thank everyone who has helped and supported me along the way.”