Jake Simpkin (born 16 October 2001) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Wests Tigers in the National Rugby League (NRL).
Background
Simpkin was born in Toowoomba, Queensland and played his junior rugby league for Souths Tigers in the Toowoomba Rugby League. He attended St Mary's College, Toowoomba before being signed by the Brisbane Broncos. In 2018, while playing for St Mary's, he was named Player of the Carnival at the 2018 Confraternity Carnival.
Playing career
Early career
In 2017, Simpkin represented Queensland under-16 in their 22–16 loss to New South Wales under-16. In 2018, he played for the Western Mustangs in the Mal Meninga Cup. In 2019, Simpkin joined the Wynnum Manly Seagulls playing for their Mal Meninga Cup and Hastings Deering Colts sides. In June 2019, he represented Queensland under-18, scoring a try in their win over New South Wales under-18. On 21 August 2019, Simpkin signed with the Wests Tigers.
2021
Simpkin began the 2021 season playing for Western Suburbs in the New South Wales Cup. In Round 6, he made his NRL debut for the Wests Tigers, starting at in their 18-14 loss to South Sydney.
2022
Simpkin played a total of nine games for the Wests Tigers in the 2022 NRL season as the club claimed the Wooden Spoon for the first time.
2023
Simpkin played a total of 19 games for the Wests Tigers in the 2023 NRL season as the club finished with the wooden spoon for a second straight year.