Sculthorpe missed last season's Tri-Nations Series because of injury

The St Helens loose forward, 28, limped off midway through the first half of Tuesday's Test against New Zealand.

He will have a scan on Wednesday to learn more about the injury, but it is thought he damaged medial ligaments.

Sculthorpe missed the 2005 Tri-Nations Series after having major surgery on his right knee last August.

"It's wretched luck for Scully," said Saints coach Daniel Anderson. "I'm a little scared what the prognosis might be."

Jamie Peacock, who captained the Lions in Sculthorpe's absence last year, added: "I'm desperately disappointed for him, all the players are.

He is a top player but he has had no luck with Great Britain Jamie Peacock on Sculthorpe

"He's been itching to lead his country and for something like this to happen is sad.

"I know what it means to lead out my country. We all feel sorry for him. Hopefully it will not be too serious."

Lions coach Brian Noble added: "I feel for Paul, he was part and parcel of setting the kind of standards we started off with tonight. But he will bounce back."

Peacock said Great Britain needed a fit Sculthorpe if they are to challenge for honours at the end of the year.

"He is a top player but he has had no luck with Great Britain," said the Leeds forward.

"We need players like him in the Tri-Nations. He is a gamebreaker and his experience is important."