CHRIS Hill’s remarkable run of Wolves appearances is set to end after head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith confirmed he would miss the start of the 2017 season.

The Wire skipper had hernia and shoulder operations after representing England in the Four Nations and will not be fit to lead the team against Catalans Dragons on Saturday, February 11.

The 29-year-old prop has appeared in 83 consecutive games for Wolves, a run dating back to July 2014 when he missed a 50-24 home win over Bradford Bulls, and was closing in on the club record of 103 straight appearances held by Duane Mann.

However, Smith says his captain was “realistic” about the prospect of his run ending.

“Chris will definitely miss the Catalans game but he’s aiming to be back for the Brisbane Broncos game,” he said.

“If you go through a season of rugby league without missing a game through injury, it’s pretty remarkable so to do a couple of seasons is extraordinary.

“He’s realistic about it though. He’s working hard to get fit again but it’s not the end of the world for him to miss a couple of games.”

Smith has plenty of options to step in for Hill, including new signings Mike Cooper and Dom Crosby.

Fellow new man Andre Savelio can also contend for a place in the front row alongside Ashton Sims, George King, Joe Philbin and Pat Moran.

Veteran forward Ben Westwood could also be in the mix as Smith says his recovery from pectoral surgery is going well.

Dec Patton, Brad Dwyer (both wrist) and Kevin Penny (ankle) should also be ready for the trip to France.

Before then, the team will fly to Tenerife for a pre-season training camp on January 16 and Smith says the trip has proved very beneficial for them over the years.

“Tenerife is enormous for us. We cram a lot into the 10 days we’re there,” he said.

“The quality of work that gets done out there is always superb as well as the quantity and the guys are excited to get down to it.

“They’re just starting to come together now as a complete group so it represents the usual opportunity for them to bond and gel as a team.”

The trip comes in the wake of Wolves’ 28-18 friendly win over Widnes Vikings on December 27.

Smith says no new injuries have emerged in the aftermath of the game after the players enjoyed some time off over the new year period.

“We’re all good, we’ve come through that game pretty unscathed which is always a bonus,” he said.

“They had a few days off after the game but they have been back in training for a few days now and are looking good.”

Wolves’ next pre-season test comes on Saturday, January 28, when they travel to Championship outfit Rochdale Hornets.