The Kookaburras have named five World Cup debutants in an 18-strong squad to contest next month's tournament in India.
Stalwart Eddie Ockenden will feature at his fourth edition of the tournament alongside cup newcomers Josh Beltz, Johan Durst, Nathan Ephraums, Lachlan Sharp and Tom Wickham.
Forward Tim Brand has been included in the squad but faces a fitness test on an injured hamstring before being confirmed for the January 13-29 cup.
"He had a tendon hamstring injury and his rehabilitation has gone really well so we're confident that he will be ready," Kookaburras coach Colin Batch said.
The Australians finished third at the most recent cup in 2018 after winning the previous two editions in 2014 and 2010, with another victory in 1986.
And Batch was bullish about his squad's chances in India, where the Kookaburras will meet Argentina, France and South Africa in group games.
"We think this is the best team for the World Cup," he said.
"There is a lot of flexibility in the group and there is a lot of experience there now ... a lot of these guys have been through a couple of World Cups and a couple of Olympic Games."
Batch will take two travelling reserves, Jacob Anderson and Dylan Martin, for a cup to be played at two stadiums in cities of Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
