Great Britain's preparations to take on Australia in the upcoming Ashes series have been hit by the withdrawal of hooker Keiron Cunningham with a leg injury.

The news represents a severe blow to both the Great Britain side and to Cunningham personally. The St Helens forward missed the Australia series in 2001 with a hernia problem and dislocated his elbow in the first Test against New Zealand last year.

Cunningham also missed the start of the current season as he recovered from surgery to his elbow.

Cunningham's Saints teammates Keith Mason and Mike Bennett, who both have calf injuries, have also been ruled out of the series.

David Waite, the Great Britain head coach and the Rugby Football League's performance director, said: "The medical team advised me that all three players were suffering from injuries from which they would not recover in time to play in the international fixtures, so they have been ruled out of our plans.

"It is a great pity for them as they are fine players but we were left with no alternative."

Cunningham's withdrawal leaves the way clear for Wigan's Terry Newton to start in the three-match series against the Kangaroos, which begins on November 8.

Newton is now the only fit hooker in the provisional squad, making it likely Waite will call in a replacement when he announces his full party on Monday.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP