He’s been likened to Matt Giteau, labelled a future Wallaby and already been handed leadership responsibilities at the Western Force.

Welcome to the life of Kyle Godwin, the 20-year-old centre who has emerged as one of Australia’s brightest young talents this Super Rugby season.

Godwin’s astute vision and ability to break the line has given the Force vital firepower in their backline in 2013.

But his rise up the ranks is hardly surprising to former Force playmaker James O’Connor, who knew several years ago that Godwin would be a future star.

The Zimbabwean-born speedster was still making his way through RugbyWA’s academies when O’Connor was at the Force.

But even in training, O’Connor could see Godwin possessed some special talents.

“I can tell straight away when a guy’s got it or they don’t,” O’Connor said.

“Making the right decisions at the right times – that’s what separates the good players from the great players.

“And he’s definitely got that attribute about him.

“He’s quite physical and he’s very suited to that 12 role.

“He’s got great vision on him and he’s got great foot work.”

Force coach Michael Foley described Godwin as a rapidly-developing player who would play a key role in the franchise’s future.

“Kyle’s going to be a future leader of the club,” Foley said.

“When we asked Matt Hodgson to nominate the guys that would help him manage the standards within the team, he nominated Kyle.

“Kyle is often the last one off the training field, and it’s one of the things we have to manage because in the past he’s had some injuries that have been based on overuse.”

Melbourne Rebels back O’Connor knows first-hand what it’s like to deal with extensive hype at a young age.

But he’s confident Godwin, who has been given the nickname ‘Adonis’, will keep his feet firmly on the ground.

“I know him pretty well. He’s a level-headed guy and he’s got some good friends and a good support structure around him with his family,” O’Connor said.

The pair will be on opposite sides of the field on Saturday when the Western Force host the Melbourne Rebels in nib Stadium.

The match will be O’Connor’s first in Perth since leaving the Force at the end of 2011, but the 22-year-old said he was looking forward to the experience.