Kevin Walters has selected 10 Australian players who missed finals and have been out of action for more than a month.
It remains to be seen whether they will be rusty or benefit from the time away.
The Kangaroos are tournament favourites, but concerns extend beyond their Thursday-night match against New Zealand.
Injured halfback Nathan Cleary, described as the best player in the game, is absent.
Props Payne Haas and Lindsay Collins are also unavailable, leaving Australia light up front.
The Kangaroos can ill afford injuries to their front-rowers during the pool matches.
The Rugby League World Cup begins with Australia facing the Kiwis on Thursday night.