Great Britain's hopes of success in the Test series against New Zealand in November have been hit after full-back Kris Radlinski was ruled out.

The Wigan ace, who has been the leading full-back in Super League this year, has been dogged by injury since the ill-fated 12 July Test in Sydney.

He is expected to undergo wrist surgery next week.

"His body is smashed," said Wigan chairman Maurice Lindsay.

"We've been waiting for the last game so that he can have the operation.

"He will need three months rest afterwards so he's having the operation immediately to enable him to be ready for next year."

Wigan's injury-hit season ended with Friday's 24-8 defeat by St Helens in the Super League final eliminator.

Hooker Terry Newton has also been ruled out of the Test series against the Kiwis, but loose forward Andrew Farrell is expected to lead the side.

Prop Terry O'Connor is hopeful of overcoming a persistent Achilles problem.

Newton, who was expected to provide back-up to first-choice hooker Keiron Cunningham, will undergo knee surgery and also requires treatment for an elbow injury.

The loss of Radlinski will pave the way for St Helens full-back Paul Wellens.

Meanwhile, Lindsay confirmed that veteran prop Harvey Howard and centre Gary Connolly played their last matches for Wigan on Friday.

Howard, 33, who joined the Warriors from Brisbane Broncos two years ago, is likely to retire to Australia.

Connolly, 31, will take a fortnight's holiday before switching to Wigan's rugby union sister club Orrell.