BILLY Magoulias will miss the opening weeks of his first season with Warrington Wolves.

The club have confirmed the loose forward – a new signing for 2022 from Cronulla Sharks – has suffered an ankle injury in training that required surgery.

Magoulias underwent the operation this week and head coach Daryl Powell says he will miss "the first four to five rounds" of the Super League campaign.

By that timeline, the earliest he could return would be the trip to St Helens on March 11.

"Billy unfortunately picked up a training ground injury which required an operation," Powell said.

"This has now been completed successfully and he is working through his rehab.

“We expect him to miss the first four to five rounds of the season.

"Billy has fitted in really well and we look forward to getting him back on the field as soon as possible.”

The news means that of The Wire's six new signings for 2022, three will miss the start of the season as Magoulias joins James Harrison and Greg Minikin on the sidelines.

Skipper Jack Hughes is also a doubt for the opening-day trip to Leeds Rhinos on February 12 as he recovers from wrist surgery.