Cordner, who captained NSW in this year’s State of Origin series for the first time, is the only Sydney Roosters player in the 24 strong squad. He is the Roosters co-captain with hooker Jake Friend.

Cameron Smith, the Queensland and Melbourne skipper, will lead the Kangaroos. Cordner, 25, a back rower, was a member of Australia’s winning World Cup squad in 2013, but didn’t play in the major games.

Last week he was named the Sydney Roosters player of the season, winning the Jack Gibson Medal, for the second time.

“This squad has the right mix of youth and experience, as well as an overall balance across the positions for a World Cup campaign,” Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said.

“It was selected based on form, performances in the State of Origin series as well as previously in the green and gold jersey.

“We have a number of players who can play multiple positions and that will be an advantage over the course of what we hope will be six matches.”

Australia will play an exhibition game against Fiji and Papua New Guinea on October 14.

The Kangaroos’ cup defence will start in Melbourne on Friday October 27 against England.