Australia big names keep want to play at Rugby League World Cup

Australia's big guns won't be volunteering themselves for a rest in coming pool games as they seek some much-needed rhythm at the Rugby League World Cup.

Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens fielded his strongest side in Saturday's opening 28-20 win over England in Cardiff but plans to rotate his 24-man squad for matches against Fiji and Ireland.

Australia's first-choice players are understanding of the rotation plans and willing to put the team first, but they are eager for game time, with superstar fullback Billy Slater putting up his hand to play next week.

The tournament favourites were slow out of the blocks against England, trailing 10-0 in the first half, and Slater cited a lack of recent game time for the sluggish start.

It's unlikely any of the squad will play in all six matches during the tournament, and star playmaker Johnathan Thurston echoed Slater's sentiments that they will be guided by the coach.

"But I'm fit to play and I'll be putting my hand up to play," Thurston said.

Slater was named Australia's players' player against England, but felt he needed to correct some deficiencies in his game.

Slater famously threw a shocker of a pass that helped New Zealand to an upset win in the 2008 final, but again played down talk of personal redemption at this tournament.