WOLVES full-back Stefan Ratchford will miss the start of the 2017 Super League season after scans showed he needs surgery on a knee injury.

The 28-year-old suffered the injury during training with the England national side, for whom he made his full debut in the Test match against France last month.

Scans have showed a lateral meniscus tear and he is expected to make his return in March.

Skipper Chris Hill also needs surgery to repair issues with his hernia and shoulder after starting all three of England’s games in the Ladbrokes Four Nations.

The two England men join another five members of Tony Smith’s squad in having procedures following the end of the 2016 season.

Centre Ryan Atkins has had surgery to correct a hand injury, as has winger Kevin Penny (ankle), hooker Brad Dwyer and half-back Dec Patton (both wrist).

Second row pair Ben Westwood and Ben Currie also had repair jobs on their long-term injuries.

Currie has undergone a reconstruction of his anterior cruciate knee ligament and is expected to return in June, while Westwood has had work done on pectoral, bicep and shoulder injuries.