Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has gone with Ashes hero Reece Walsh over reigning Clive Churchill Medalist James Tedesco in the coveted No.1 jersey for Australia's blockbuster World Cup opener against the Kiwis.
Walsh's last game was on August 15 against the Warriors when he suffered a syndesmosis injury that looked set to end his season.
The Roosters marched on to premiership glory and Tedesco came to the fore with a magnificent grand final display but Walsh has been given the nod in a backline that includes Test debutant Jack Bostock on one wing and Tom Trbojevic on the other.
Mitch Moses has beaten Sam Walker to the halfback role while Jacob Preston makes his international debut in the back row with David Fifita set for his Kangaroos debut off the interchange after previously representing Tonga at the 2022 World Cup.
The Kiwis, meanwhile, have Knights superstars Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai pulling on the black jersey for the first time in a backline that also features Jahrome Hughes at halfback in his first Test since 2023 and Dolphins livewire Kodi Nikorima at five-eighth.
James Fisher-Harris captains the side and leads a formidable forward pack that includes Joseph Tapine in his 26th Test match and powerhouse Rooster Naufahu Whyte in his seventh Test.
Wests Tigers skipper Api Koroisau will captain the Fiji Bati in their tournament opener against Cook Islands as he lines up at a fourth World Cup.
Knights prop Jacob Saifiti has served his four-game suspension and will play his eighth Test for the Bati while Dolphins utility Kurt Donoghoe and Sea Eagle Brandon Wakeham combine in the halves.
After riding a rollercoaster of emotions in 2026, Jarome Luai will co-captain Samoa along with Junior Paulo as they open their campaign against France in Sydney.
Paulo and Luai are among five survivors from the Samoa side that lost the 2022 World Cup Final to the Kangaroos along with Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu.
Knights edge forwards Jermaine McEwen and Francis Manuleleua will cap off their stunning 2026 season by making their Test debuts at CommBank Stadium.
Other Round 1 selection highlights include:
NOTE: The World Cup will be played under NRL rules with six players on the interchange bench. Only four of those players may be used as per NRL rules.
Official squads, team lists and schedule for all Round 1 matches of the 2026 Men's Rugby League World Cup.