NEW Zealand will be “a completely different animal” when England open their Four Nations campaign against them on Saturday, Wolves prop Mike Cooper says.

Cooper, who is re-joining The Wire ahead of the 2017 season after a spell with NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons, made his England debut in last year’s series win over the Kiwis.

However, the world’s number-one ranked side have several key players returning to their side and are now coached by former Warrington man David Kidwell.

“If you look at this Kiwi side to the one we faced last year, there’s so many players back,” Cooper said.

“Shaun Johnson gives them a little bit of magic, while having Jared Waerea-Hargreaves back in the front row is massive for them.

“Jason Taumalolo has been unreal in the NRL this year as well, winning the Dally M Medal.

“These guys mean they are a completely different animal to last year.”

Kidwell’s side are still without a few key players who featured in last year’s series, such as full-back Roger Tuisvasa-Sheck and utility back Kodi Nikorima, through injury.

Former Latchford Albion junior Cooper started in the second row alongside Canberra’s Elliot Whitehead in Saturday’s 40-6 Test win over France in Avignon.

He featured in all three games against the Kiwis last year and says playing them will always hold special memories.

“Being stood in front of the Haka for the first time is something you dream about and I will always remember it,” he said.

“They had strength throughout last year despite the injuries and it’s the same this year.

“We’re confident though. If we can win it sets us up brilliantly for the rest of the tournament.”