Reece Walsh has been selected ahead of James Tedesco at fullback for Australia's Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Samoa in Sydney on Sunday.
Coach Kevin Walters chose Walsh after a two-month absence with an ankle injury, despite Tedesco arriving in strong form after the Sydney Roosters' NRL premiership.
Walsh, a star of last year's Ashes series, impressed in Australia's 24-22 win over New Zealand and was man of the match in the 66-6 victory over the Cook Islands, contributing to five tries.
Tedesco and Latrell Mitchell are among six reserves, while Bradman Best has been selected at left centre and Tom Dearden and Cameron Munster will partner in the halves.
"Samoa were very impressive in a physical battle which had a lot of emotion last weekend against Tonga and we know we are in for a tough contest on Sunday night," Walters said.
"It's going to be a great occasion in front of a full house at Allianz Stadium, and we've got to meet the occasion with the best performance of the tournament."
Kalyn Ponga has been named on New Zealand's extended bench for Saturday's semi-final against Tonga, 22 days after breaking his forearm in a fullback duel with Walsh in the tournament opener.
Keano Kini will start at fullback, but Ponga's selection signals he could return for the final if New Zealand qualify.
Hooker Phoenix Crossland is also among the extended reserves, after being elevated to the squad on Monday following Jacob Laban's injury. Crossland is available after serving a four-match suspension for a tackle that broke Nathan Cleary's leg in the NRL preliminary final.
New Zealand have named Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad on the wing because Ronaldo Mulitalo is suspended for one game after a shoulder charge against Fiji. Tonga are unchanged.
Samoa have made one forced change, with Ronald Volkman replacing the injured Chanel Harris-Tavita at five-eighth.