The Rugby League International Federation has spoken to a number of private promoters still interested in staging the 2025 World Cup in the United States, salvaging the governing body's hope of playing the showpiece in North America.

The RLIF is poised to put the competition hosting rights out to tender later this year, the first step to deciding where it will be played after the financial disaster of last year's Denver Test between New Zealand and England.

Revival: Manu Ma'u playing for Tonga. Credit:NRL Photos

Private promoter Moore Sports International missed payment deadlines with both the New Zealand Rugby League and Rugby Football League following the Colorado match, reported to have suffered a seven-figure loss on the game. The same company had the contract to take the 2025 World Cup to America.

But the RLIF has again started talks with individuals keen to take international rugby league's showpiece to the foreign rugby league market, where the NRL has previously explored opening its regular season.