New Zealand has only one specialist hooker, Jeremy Marshall-King, but Phoenix Crossland could be available if the Kiwis reach the World Cup semi-finals.
Although omitted from the 23-man squad, Crossland's remaining suspension games will be served during the pool stage, the Newcastle Herald reported.
The NRL approved the Knights' request to count pool matches toward his three remaining games of a four-game ban.
The ban followed a hip-drop tackle on Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary, who suffered a compound fracture.
Crossland missed the Knights' one-point Grand Final loss to the Sydney Roosters, and the decision also clears him for Newcastle's first game next season.
He has represented New Zealand six times over two years, making his international debut in 2024, and was named in its wider squad earlier this year.
Crossland had expressed excitement about the World Cup opportunity:
"We have got a great team.
the forward pack is crazy, plus Kalyn Ponga is there now.
We are really strong, and the coaches are all back, so we can't wait to be there and in camp amongst it.
I have never been a part of a World Cup before, so I hope to get the chance."