A deal is close to being brokered between rugby league officials in the respective countries, according to Australian Rugby League chief executive Geoff Carr.

Carr said Australia would play just one more one-off Test against New Zealand next July before the launch of the new competition.

He explained: "In 2004 we will have a Tri-Nations where Great Britain will come here in July, everyone will play each other once.

"Then at the end of the year New Zealand and Australia will go to the UK and everyone will play each other again.

"By the end of 2004 there will be a Tri-Nations champion.

"And if the concept is a success - which I believe it will be - there is an opportunity for us to continue it on a regular basis."

The plan was originally mooted by Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett in a bid to end the one-off Tests which have seen the international game suffer in recent seasons.

Bennett's plan is being assessed by the Australian Rugby League and the Rugby Football League in Great Britain.

But both nations are expected to endorse it.