New Zealand will meet Tonga in Saturday night's Rugby League World Cup semi-final at McDonald Jones Stadium, Phoenix Crossland's NRL home ground.
Crossland has joined the Kiwis squad after serving a four-match suspension for a hip-drop tackle that caused serious leg injuries to Penrith star Nathan Cleary.
The 26-year-old had not played since Newcastle's NRL preliminary final victory over Penrith in September. His ban also ruled him out of the Knights' grand final defeat to the Roosters and all three of New Zealand's group matches.
He replaces second rower Jacob Laban, who will miss the rest of the tournament with a lower leg injury, head coach Stacey Jones said.
"It's really disappointing for Jake and for us after the outstanding year he has had," Jones said.
Crossland was New Zealand's first-choice hooker at last year's Pacific Championships, including the 36-14 final win over Toa Samoa. However, Jeremy Marshall-King's form makes a utility role more likely, with Crossland able to cover hooker, back row or the halves.
His versatility adds options on the six-man bench. The semi-final winner will face Australia or Samoa in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup final in Brisbane.