Seaton rugby league star Caine Barnes has been handed a professional contract with Wigan Warriors.

The former Seaton Rangers forward is one of seven members of the Super League side's Under-19 squad to be handed a contract.

The 18-year-old England Academy player has impressed during his time with the club and earned a place in Shaun Wane's first team squad this season.

Wigan Warriors head of youth, Matty Peet, said: " Caine is a dynamic ball carrying forward who has impressed throughout his time in the Wigan Academy.

"He has trained with the first team for much of the year and also picked up some good experience at Swinton on dual-registration where he played in their Challenge Cup giant killing of Huddersfield.

"Caine also toured Australia with England Academy last year and is currently a member of the England Academy squad.

"It’s a great reward for him and for all his community and school coaches in Cumbria who he owes so much to and we look forward to seeing Caine put his best foot forward as a member of the first team squad."

Barnes will also remain available for the Under-19s throughout the 2018 season.

His amateur side Seaton Rangers were also delighted with the news and praised the youngster for his talent and dedication.

Spokesman Peter Gilmour said: "Everyone at the club is absolutely delighted for Caine.

"He's been a stand-out performer from a real early age and you could tell early on in his development that he was a special talent who would make an impact in the sport.

"The real hard work begins for him now but he's an impressive young man from a superb family who is respectful, humble and has the dedication to go with his talent.

"His success is also a testament to the work done within the youth section of Seaton Rangers and I'd like to take the opportunity to highlight the contribution of John Banks, Gary Williamson and Anthony Burridge who coached Caine right through his time with the club."

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

He was then snapped up on an academy scholarship with the Warriors back in 2014.