JACK Hughes is confident he can do a job in Great Britain's makeshift three-quarter line.

The Warrington Wolves second rower will make his Lions debut at centre in the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday, with Zak Hardaker switching to the wing in place of the injured Ryan Hall.

The former Leeds winger dislocated his left patella five minutes from the end of Saturday's 12-8 defeat in Auckland and has returned to Sydney to continue his recovery with his club side, the Roosters.

With Wigan centre Oliver Gildart also leaving the tour to continue his treatment for the shoulder he dislocated against Tonga, coach Wayne Bennett has been left without a specialist centre and only one recognised winger but, because of the travel and time constraints, he has decided not to send for a replacement.

Wire co-captain Hughes began his career as a centre at Wigan Warriors and has played in the three-quarters several times in his four seasons at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

The 27-year-old also memorably played at stand-off in the Challenge Cup Final win over St Helens in August a further demonstration of his versatility.

"Obviously a couple of injuries have tested the depth of the squad and Wayne has asked me to jump in at centre and do a job and I'll do it all the justice I can," Hughes said.

"It's not where I thought I would make my debut but I'm happy to do a job for the team. It's about team first, especially at this level.

"It's nothing new to me, nothing that fazes me. Back in my Wigan days, I played the majority of a full season at centre.

"Obviously you are under a bit more stress, a bit more pressure decision-making wise but it's nothing I can't handle.

"It will be the proudest moment of my career by far. It's something I've aspired for since being a little kid watching Great Britain."

Assistant coach Ian Watson does not believe the enforced changes weaken the team as they go in search of a series-levelling win.

"I think Zak will be great for us being out on the edge," Watson said.

"His utility value is massive for us, being able to play centre, full-back and wing.

"I don't think that will be a big loss just because of the person Zak is and Hughesy has played in the centre for Warrington and he's played at half as well so he's got the ability and the skill to play there.

"But the big thing is that he's very defensively sound which in international football is huge."