Seaton RL hotshot Caine Barnes has been boosted up to Wigan's first team squad for next season.

Barnes has graduated from the Super League club's academy and rewarded for all his efforts with a place in Shaun Wane's squad, announced this week.

The 17-year-old, who has also played for England Academy this year, will wear shirt number 38.

But his rise to the top comes as no surprise to anyone at his amateur club Seaton Rangers.

Club spokesman Peter Gilmour said: "I think he has always been destined for big things since he was a kid.

"Nobody is surprised at his progress as he has been a phenomenal talent since the age of 11.

"I think we all expected him to do big things in the professional game.

"But I don't think even Caine would have expected to made such prolific progress in his first season of professional rugby league.

"He was fantastic in Wigan's U19s and reserves and he got into the England Academy team so he has got his just reward for some fantastic performances in a Wigan shirt."

The second rower began his rugby career with Seaton at the tender age of eight and never looked back.

And Gilmour says he still has strong links with the club, recently attending their open age presentation night.

But what makes this talented youngster stand out from the crowd?

"He has that rare combination of natural talent plus he is willing to put in the hard work and has the desire that goes with it," said Gilmour.

"He is not just a good rugby player but he is also a fantastic young man who is respectful, hard working and has a great relationship with his family.

"And that is what makes him stand out. Obviously he also has everything he needs on the field with an abundance of talent but it boils down to how much he wants it.

"He works so hard at his rugby, he doesn't rest on his laurels and has taken himself to the next level."