New Zealand's decision to select Dane Gagai has stirred fresh objections over international eligibility, after the International Rugby League board approved his change of allegiance.
The 35-year-old has represented Australia in seven Tests, including the 2017 World Cup final, which the Kangaroos won. He has not played a Test for Australia since 2018 and was not expected to make Kevin Walters' squad.
Gagai and Newcastle Knights teammate Kalyn Ponga were named in New Zealand's 23-man World Cup squad on Tuesday. The Kiwis open against Australia on October 15.
Ponga has played 13 State of Origin matches for Queensland and represented Australia at the 2019 World Cup Nines, but has never played a Kangaroos Test. Born in Western Australia, he became eligible for New Zealand after a rule change; both his parents are Māori, and his family moved to New Zealand when he was eight.
"I think it is one thing to represent your club but another to represent a country and culture. It's special and I am still learning," Ponga told the World Cup website.
James Fisher-Harris will captain the squad, which includes premiership forwards Naufahu Whyte and Moses Leota, plus Broncos player of the year Xavier Willison. Ponga, Gagai, Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith are among those seeking New Zealand Test debuts.
Coach Stacey Jones said: "We're very excited for this World Cup campaign. We've been building towards this over the past few years, and winning the Pacific Championships last year was a big step in that journey."