New Zealand have not beaten Australia on Australian soil since 2014, but Isaah Yeo expects a tough middle contest.
The Kiwis bring James Fisher-Harris, Joseph Tapine and Naufahu Whyte to Thursday's World Cup opener at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
Walsh trained mainly at fullback on Monday, appearing to edge Clive Churchill Medal winner James Tedesco for the Kangaroos' No.1 jersey.
Walsh has been sidelined since an ankle injury playing for Brisbane in August, but starred in Australia's Ashes whitewash last year.
Yeo said Tedesco was on a lighter load after the Sydney Roosters' premiership, while coach Kevin Walters plans to name the team Tuesday.
Australia rested its NRL grand final players for the 2022 opener against Fiji, but cannot take the same approach against New Zealand.
"(We want) to reignite that rivalry. It's a really important part of rugby league and trying to grow that international space," Yeo said.