Talented second-row forward Jake Moore has committed himself to two more years at Whitehaven.

Moore, who returned to the Recreation Ground a year ago after a brief spell with Workington Town, has blossomed into one of the best young forwards in League One. He will hope to take that on again next season when Whitehaven contest the Championship again after three years in the lower tier.

Moore, 23, started his playing career at Wath Brow Hornets from when he was very young where his potential was first spotted. As a result he joined Wigan in 2013 after two years in their scholarship programme and was called up to the England Academy.

First team opportunities were limited at Wigan and he joined his home-town club for the first time ahead of the 2017 season.

Frustrated by lack of opportunities he switched to Town where he got valuable League One experience.

But when Gary Charlton took over at the Recreation Ground Moore was happy to return to Whitehaven where his career has really taken off.

His performances throughout the year saw him named in Rugby League World’s League One team of the season. He had scored 11 tries and kicked 51 goals for a combined points total of 146 points.

Head coach Gary Charlton said: “I’m delighted that Jake has committed himself for the next three years. He’s still a young lad and there’s plenty more to come from him. He has had a good season and he’ll keep improving. He has shown his commitment to Haven by signing that two-year extension of his contract even though he is already contracted for 2020.”

Moore said: “I enjoyed last season more than any other time in the game. I only missed five games through a hamstring injury and it was great to have a regular spot in the second row. The coaching staff are brilliant and it was great to play my rugby with a smile on my face.

“Like the rest of the guys here I’m really excited about playing in the Championship. It’s going to be a great challenge, competing against good teams who have ex-Super League players in their ranks.

“I was very happy to sign an extension to my existing contract because I think the future is very bright for the club.”

Whitehaven chairman Tommy Todd said: “We are all delighted at the club that Jake has shown his commitment to Whitehaven by signing an extension to his contract.

“He is a talented player with a terrific attitude towards training, keen enough to put in extra sessions by himself.

“I believe he has a very bright career ahead of him in the game and can be a shining light in the Championship.”

Whitehaven, however, may be without full-back/winger Jordan Burns for the return to the Championship.

Burns has a new job which looks like affecting his availability for professional rugby league.

He still has a year of his contract to run and Whitehaven hope that the situation might change.