The United States has formally submitted a bid to host the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, with an Australian promoter the man pulling the strings.
The Rugby Football League anticipated competition from America and South Africa when it launched its own application just over month ago and a Sydney-based sports marketing and event management company confirmed on Tuesday it had submitted an official bid to take the 16th World Cup to the States.
"We are honoured and excited at the opportunity to showcase this sport to this nation - and the nation to this sport," said Jason Moore, the Australian chief executive of Moore Sports International.
"Rugby league already has a strong following in several major US markets and, should the 2021 World Cup be staged in the United States, American sports fans new to rugby league and who have a hunger for gladiatorial-style sports are going to fall in love with this extraordinary game."
David Collier, chief executive of the Rugby League International Federation, which is due to announce the 2021 venue during the 2016 Four Nations Series being held in England in November, welcomed the US bid.
If successful, it would be the first time the tournament will be staged outside Australasia and Europe since it was first held in 1954.
Former United States, Canberra, Penrith and Warriors coach Matt Elliott believes taking the event to America could provide a breakthrough for the game.
"Hosting the World Cup in the United States would be another big step forward for rugby league growth globally," Elliott said.
"The opportunity for elite athlete and junior player development and the growth of rugby league in the United States is second to none."
Moore Sports International, which two years ago took Major League Baseball games to Australia, says if its bid is successful, games in 2021 would be played in eight to 10 NFL or Major Soccer League stadiums. There would also be an eight-team women's tournament.
