Rugby Football League executive chairman Richard Lewis has revealed the Tri-Nations tournament is unlikely to be staged in the southern hemisphere before 2006.

The future of the event is under discussion after some Australian clubs voiced their concern about player burn-out.

And with six of the seven recent games staged in Britain, some players also felt they had to spend too long away from home.

The tournament however proved a commercial success and Lewis is hoping this year's format can be modified format for 2005 before considering a move Down Under 12 months later.

Lewis said: "The Tri-Nations was very successful and there is a strong desire for it to take place next year, probably in this country again.

"The NRL clubs met last week and the vast majority of them supported the competition taking place.

"We need to work through things to find the best schedule but I think virtually everyone wants the Tri-Nations to take place.

"We can build on the success of the competition here. I then think 2006 would be the ideal year to take it to the southern hemisphere."

This year's Tri-Nations attracted crowds of 180,000 in Britain and made a profit of STG750,000 ($A1.92 million).

The only disappointing match was the final, in which Great Britain was thrashed 44-4 by Australia at Elland Road, but Lewis is confident the damage done by that game an be withstood.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP