The United States have formally submitted a bid to host the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
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 the autumn, welcomed the US bid.
"The RLIF is committed to growing the game and is working diligently to have rugby league recognised as one of the world's leading sports," Collier said.
"This year's bids, including a first-time bid from the United States via Moore Sports International, certainly affirm our belief in the greater opportunities ahead."
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 and Bradford Bulls 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.
"There is a lot of hard work still to be done," said Moore. "But we are grateful for, and motivated by, the strong interest of potential host cities, stadiums, sponsors, and other local stakeholders across the United States."