Mitchell Moses is reportedly set to start at halfback for Australia against New Zealand in Thursday's Rugby League World Cup opener.
Code Sports says Kevin Walters may select Moses over Sam Walker, who many expected to partner Cameron Munster.
Walker impressed in his State of Origin debut series and was in contention for his first Kangaroos World Cup appearance.
Moses has reportedly trained at halfback, with his kicking game potentially complementing Munster.
At fullback, Walters is tipped to choose Reece Walsh over James Tedesco, despite Walsh missing about two months with an ankle injury sustained in Round 24.
Walsh was seen training with the likely starting team after helping Australia win the Ashes series 3-0 and winning an NRL premiership the previous year.
Tedesco had a strong season and led the Roosters to the NRL premiership, but Walters may give him extra recovery time after the grand final two weeks ago.
The reported centre selection is another surprise, with Broncos player Kotoni Staggs favoured over Knights star Bradman Best.
Staggs featured in the Ashes-winning side, while Best was widely regarded as one of the finals' leading centres alongside Robert Toia.
Reports of Tedesco and Best missing out have prompted fan concern, particularly over Best's omission.