Tri-Nations eyes Manchester final Great Britain 4-44 Australia

Venues have yet to be confirmed for the seven games, five of which will be in Great Britain, with Australia and New Zealand each hosting one Anzac clash.

"The level of competition in 2004 drew significant attention from fans and media," said Rugby League International Federation head Colin Love.

"There's no doubt there is a real appetite for the international game."

Venues for the 2005 matches have yet to be confirmed, but Australia has agreed to host the 2006 series.

That will be the first time in 14 years that a Great Britain team has visited the Southern Hemisphere for more than just a one-off Test, which is sure to attract huge crowds.

"Over 180,000 fans went to Tri-Nations games alone in 2004 and when you take into account the Anzac Test crowd we were well over the 200,000 mark for the year," he said.

It is also hoped a New Zealand side will tour Great Britain in 2007 to mark the centenary of the famous "All Golds" tour in 1907, on which the New Zealand squad included a guest Australian player, an event they hope to repeat.

New Zealand Rugby League chairman Selwyn Pearson suggested the plan at an International Federation meeting and it received a positive response.

Pearson suggested that a shortlist of Australian candidates be drawn up some time in advance so they would know they were in contention.

"It was endorsed in principle and depends on budgets and the club releasing the selected player for the tour," said Pearson.

"Ideally it would be the National Rugby League player of the year.

"We are very keen to get it over the line and the British are too."