SPECIALISTS will decide next week whether Great Britain star Gary Connolly can play in the forthcoming Ashes Test series - if the row about his availability is settled with the ARL.

The 26-year-old centre has played through the season with a serious knee problem.

But it is now hoped that the injury has improved enough for him not to need immediate surgery - and take his place in the British line-up.

Wigan coach Eric Hughes said: "Gary has been a tough nut to play through this one. When he returned from his winter Rugby Union stint we thought it was just a matter of time before his knee packed up and needed a full reconstruction job.

"But the injury steadily got better as the season wore on. Now he has an appointment with the specialist to see if surgery is needed at all."

But Tony Smith has been ruled out of the three-match Test Series with knee ligament damage, but it is again hoped he can avoid surgery to return next season.

Wigan's Kiwi stand-off Henry Paul is also sidelined in a plaster cast for a month with a broken arm which he suffered in the 22-18 World Club Championships defeat against Hunter Mariners.

Hughes added: "It's too early to tell if Henry will need an operation."

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