Benji Marshall proudly holds the trophy aloft after New Zealand's win in 2008

Rugby Football League executive chairman Richard Lewis has urged politicians to support the bid to host the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

Lewis is seeking additional political clout to help bring the tournament to Britain for the first time since 2000.

"There have been very good expressions of support from government and regional development agencies but we now need a firm detailed commitment," said Lewis.

Australia have also revealed an interest in staging the event again.

Part of the bid being planned by the RFL concerns the financial rewards from hosting such a major tournament.

Last year's tournament in Australia is believed to have made a profit of more than �2m, with the money earmarked to help the game develop internationally.

"We expect to receive a report shortly which shows the benefits delivered by last year's tournament to the Australian economy," said Lewis, who was speaking at the All Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group's annual dinner.

"We intend to use this data as well as previous studies carried out by Deloitte relating to the positive economic impact of rugby league to demonstrate to central agencies and regional government that their support of what would an exciting sporting event, would deliver a wider dividend for the whole country.

"We must present a strong case but we do need support to be successful".

An initial RFL draft bid to be hosts has already been submitted to the Rugby League International Federation and a completed formal bid will be issued in the next six months.

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