Great Britain could take on Australia in 2003 as they attempt to reclaim the Ashes.

As the Kangaroo touring party flew home to Australia on Monday, talks are already at an advanced stage for the next Ashes Test series.

Australia clinched the series with a 28-8 victory over Great Britain in Saturday's deciding Guinness Test at Wigan.

Supporters had to wait seven years to witness the ultimate contest in rugby league following the Super League war that split the game in Australia.

The two countries are set to meet in a one-off Test in Sydney next July but are already in negotiations for another Ashes series in the autumn of 2003 to make up for their shortened tour this time.

Intense negotiations

"The New Zealand tour is definitely on next year but it could well be that the Australians tour here in 2003," said the Rugby Football League's director of rugby Greg McCallum.

"It would be for the Ashes and to make up for what didn't happen this time.

"But that's subject to some fairly intense financial negotiations at the moment."

McCallum confirmed that the hastily re-arranged Test series made a profit, although no precise figures are yet available.