The Welsh international entered hospital on Wednesday for surgery on a hernia injury.

Cunningham, who recently turned down an offer from the Welsh Rugby Union, said: "It's a devastating blow for me because I really wanted to play against Australia.

"I've been carrying the injury for several weeks and reached a situation where surgery was the only option.

"By having the operation today I should be back to full fitness in time to play against Australia in both the second and third Tests if David Waite was to select me."

"Our medical advice is of the highest quality and it is the opinion of our medical team that Keiron should have the repair now to ensure he is available for the majority of the Test series," he said.

"Keiron is a world class player and losing him would be a serious situation for any team in world class Rugby League."

Great Britain head coach David Waite visited Keiron in hospital before his operation and said: "Keiron is devastated by the news but he is still determined to play his part in the series against Australia.

"Our medical advice was that, although Keiron has played for a while with the injury, there was a real risk of him breaking down in training.

"He then may have been so seriously damaged that he would not be available for the whole series."

Waite will name his team for next week's Test match against France in Agen as well as his squad for the Australian series on Thursday.

Cunningham's absence will almost certainly mean a call-up for Wigan hooker Terry Newton, who missed England's World Cup campaign through injury.