Reece Walsh has won the fullback race for the World Cup opener, with coach Kevin Walters saying the players not named for the Kiwis clash will get their chance to shine later in the tournament.
Walters has remained loyal to the Broncos superstar who starred on last year’s Ashes tour.
Walsh missed the final three rounds of the NRL season due to injury but will start against New Zealand after he beat out Clive Churchill Medal winner James Tedesco who had an extraordinary grand final.
Mitchell Moses will play halfback for Australia in their grudge match against New Zealand, with premiership winning No.7 Sam Walker named in the reserves alongside Tedesco.
Cowboys star Tom Dearden is the bench utility for the Kangaroos who will be skippered by inspirational lock Isaah Yeo who has delayed shoulder surgery until after the World Cup.
“The World Cup only comes around every four years and to be playing at a home World Cup in front of Australian supporters makes it an even greater occasion and we’re going to make the most of the opportunity,” Walters said.
“We’ve had a great week of preparation in Sydney, and every player has earned their opportunity to pull on the Kangaroos jersey.
“I know they will make Australia proud with their performance on Thursday night.
“The players who aren’t involved in game one will get their opportunity during the tournament, and I know they’ll be ready for it.”
Australia will start favourites against the Kiwis who have named a heavyweight forward pack that is so stacked that Dally M Lock of the Year Erin Clark and Prop of the Year Naufahu Whyte will come off the bench.
Kalyn Ponga will make his New Zealand debut at fullback as they look to make a statement in Sydney on Thursday night.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will start at fullback ahead of Storm sensation Sua Fa’alogo for Samoa in their clash against France, with Eels signing Spencer Leniu to provide some punch off the bench.
AJ Brimson, Hugo Savala, Max King and Victor Radley will all start for England against a Tongan side that has got star edge forwards Salesi Foketi and Leka Halasima on the bench.
Jocelyn Kelleher has been rewarded for her outstanding form and will partner Roosters teammate Tarryn Aiken in the halves for the Jillaroos.
The team is so stacked that Jesse Southwell has been listed in the reserves, with the star-studded Aussies set to pile on the points in this tournament.
“I am excited to be able to give Jocelyn her Jillaroos debut,” Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner said.
“She has worked very hard and got a taste of this level of competition last year during the Pacific Championships where she was a valuable member of the extended squad.
“We all saw how well she and Tarryn were able to control the game in the grand final and they have a strong combination we are hoping will help provide an edge against Samoa.
“She is ready to go and has definitely earned her place on the field this year.”
The Kiwi Ferns have named a strong side for their opening match against Fiji, with Zahara Temara and Raecene McGregor forming a potent partnership in the halves.
Originally published as ‘Earned their opportunity’: Kevin Walters drops selection hint for future games after countries names their squads for World Cup games