The St Helens full-back picked up the injury in the third minute of Saturday's Super League Grand Final win over the Bradford Bulls.

Because of swelling and bruising, doctors were not immediately able to assess the injury.

But on Tuesday Wellens was told he will be out of action for eight weeks and will subsequently miss all three Tests against New Zealand in November.

The 22-year-old's absence is a major blow to Great Britain head coach David Waite who is already without Kris Radlinski.

With Radlinski ruled out after undergoing wrist surgery, the clash with the Kiwis was seen as the perfect opportunity for Wellens to stake his claim to the full-back berth.

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

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

Aside from Wellens, Saints have a string of injury concerns ahead of their tour match against New Zealand on Friday.

Paul Newlove, Paul Sculthorpe, Peter Shiels and Keiron Cunningham are all still feeling the effects of the Grand Final and face late fitness tests.

Millward said: "We won't know the extent of the injuries until the players report again for training tomorrow."