The Rugby Football League will push ahead with plans to bid for the 2021 World Cup after receiving a government pledge to provide STG15 million ($A26.83 million) in funding.
The governing body has estimated it will cost STG42 million ($A75.13 million) to host the event and believes it can deliver a STG74.6 million ($A133.44 million) boost to the economy.
The host nation for the 2021 tournament, which will grow in size to 16 teams and 31 games, will be decided by the Rugby League International Federation in the autumn.
If the bid is successful, 12 stadiums across the country will be selected from a shortlist which will include a variety of rugby league stadiums and a number of other sporting venues such as Old Trafford, the Etihad Stadium, St James' Park and Wembley.
