Bradman Best, Jack Bostock, David Fifita, Sam Walker, Jacob Preston and Blayke Brailey are the six debutants in Kevin Walters' 23-man World Cup squad.
With Nathan Cleary injured, Walker and Mitchell Moses are competing to partner Cameron Munster at halfback. Walters named both on Monday, leaving the choice unresolved.
James Tedesco and Reece Walsh were both selected at fullback, so supporters may not learn who starts against New Zealand until the tournament opener.
Tedesco earned the Clive Churchill Medal on Sunday evening after a standout season. Walsh had an inconsistent 2026 campaign with the Broncos but remains the incumbent from last year's Ashes tour.
Latrell Mitchell is back in the Australia squad after missing last year's Ashes tour because of persistent back and neck injuries. Hand surgery also ruled him out of 2023 Tests against New Zealand and Samoa.
Despite injury troubles this season, Mitchell returned late in the year and helped drive South Sydney's finals push. He is fit for the World Cup campaign.
Tom Trbojevic was also selected and could play his first Test for the Kangaroos since 2024, having overcome lingering hamstring problems.