Australia will face New Zealand in its Rugby League World Cup opener without James Tedesco, despite the Roosters captain's Clive Churchill Medal-winning grand final.
Coach Kevin Walters chose Reece Walsh at fullback, though Walsh had not played for two months after ankle surgery ended his Broncos season in Round 24.
Walsh is Australia's incumbent fullback and made his Test debut during the Ashes last year.
Walters named his side on Tuesday, resting Tedesco, Roosters halfback Sam Walker and Knights centre Bradman Best to manage the workload of players involved in the grand final less than two weeks earlier.
Mitch Moses replaces Walker, while Latrell Mitchell and Kotoni Staggs will play in the centres.
Walters said every squad member would start during the tournament, and Tedesco is expected back for next week's match against Fiji.
"I decided to do what's best for the team here and I thought it was best that Reece plays against the Kiwis," Walters said.
"James has had a long season, he had a big finals series, and I feel it's important that he gets a spell and then he will play next week (against Fiji)."
With Australia scheduled to meet Fiji and the Cook Islands after New Zealand, Walters can assess his options; the top two teams in Pool A reach the semi-finals.
"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."