England decides to go it alone with bid to host 2021 Rugby League World Cup
Country shared the 2013 showpiece duties with Wales and Ireland with Australia winning final at Old Trafford
ENGLAND will today formally launch its bid to host the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
And a new national centre for the sport will be set up with the aim of boosting the chances of winning the tournament and developing future talent.
But South Africa and the USA are also expected to attempt to land the showpiece with a decision on its destination expected by the end of the year.
The last time the tournament was in this country was 2013, when games were held in England, Wales and Ireland. But this is expected to be a bid to hold games only in England.
SunSport has learned funding for a national rugby league centre has been secured.
And a location in the north of England is being lined up, with the aim of making it a base for the england team.
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Previously, England have not had a long-term home, and have used Loughborough University and St George's Park.
It is also intended that the national centre will host age group sides and help develop future generations of players.
Meanwhile, Gareth Widdop says England's players will back the Morris twins and Trent Hodkinson if they switch allegiances to the country.
Brett and Josh Morris both qualify through their grandfather and could switch to England, even though they have played for Australia.
Newcastle Knights player Hodkinson is eligible through his father and admits he has spoken to national boss Wayne Bennett.
England half-back Widdop, who moved to Australia in his teens, said: "It's up to them to make a decision and whatever decision they make we as a team will go with that."
