His comments come after James Graham became the third home-grown Saints' player in succession to lift the coveted Man of Steel award.

The 23-year-old powerhouse prop followed in the footsteps of team-mates Paul Wellens (2006) and James Roby (2007) and shows that the procedure is in good hands.

Keiron Cunningham, Steve Tyrer, Matty Smith, Paul Clough, Scott Moore, and Chris Dean are six others who have graduated from the lower ranks to perform on the 'big stage.'

Mr Colquitt said: " We have always believed in nurturing real local talent and ensuring their progression to the rigours of Super League.

"The fact that the last three Men of Steel have come through our Academy set-up shows the system at the GPW Recruitment Stadium is working."

Mr Colquitt added: "We know our Academy set up is used as a benchmark for the rest of Super League.

"Its development is testament to the work of Mike Rush and his Academy coaches alongside the work of the volunteers within the Scholarship and Academy programmes."

The future of the club – and the English game – is certain in good hands. Saints' RL Academy outfit also won this season's Grand Final and nine players from the club went on the England U18s tour of Australia."

Player performance manager Neil Kilshaw said: "There are obviously a lot of progresses to go through before a identified player will make first our Academy set up and then hopefully progress to the first team.

"It doesn't matter when you start playing – we can spot youngsters of eight right through to 15 –but you need a willingness to learn and be able to take on board what is being said."