The Kiwis open their World Cup campaign against Australia at Sydney's Allianz Stadium on Thursday, October 15.
They then face the Cook Islands in Ōtautahi Christchurch and Fiji on the Gold Coast, aiming for their second title after winning only once, in 2008.
Captain James Fisher-Harris, recently named Dally M captain and prop of the year, leads the 23-player squad.
Six NZ Warriors are selected: Fisher-Harris, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Te Maire Martin, Erin Clark, Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith.
Laban and Stowers-Smith, both 22, earned selection after strong NRL seasons; the other four Warriors were part of last year's Pacific Championships-winning team.
Coach Stacey Jones said the team had been building towards the tournament for several years.
"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,"
Jones added: "I'm confident in this squad. We've got a good mix of experienced players who have been part of the team for a long time, and some new blood who all bring great talent."
Four players could make their Kiwis debuts: Laban, Stowers-Smith, Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai.
Ponga pledged allegiance to New Zealand this year after eligibility-rule changes; the IRL Board approved Gagai's switch after he last represented Australia eight years ago.
Jahrome Hughes returns after injury kept him out of internationals, while Kodi Nikorima is back after last playing for the Kiwis in 2024.
The men's and women's World Cup finals are scheduled for Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday, 15 November.