Leeds City Council’s Executive Board is expected to submit a final proposal this week for the city to be a host during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

If successful, matches will be played at Elland Road and Headingley Carnegie stadiums, as well as Leeds being chosen as a training base for one of the competing countries.

Hosting the tournament is expected to bring up to £50 million of economic benefits to the UK, and Leeds City Council chief executive, Tom Riordon, feels that the city will reap the rewards the spectacle of world-class rugby will bring.

“2013 is going to be a hugely exciting year for Leeds, with the opening of the Leeds Arena, the Trinity Leeds shopping centre and the new Holt Park Active Living Centre,” he said.

“It would be another major boost for the city to be hosting the best rugby league players in the world and matches in the most prestigious rugby league tournament there is.”

The excitement was mirrored by Leeds Rhinos chief executive, Gary Hetherington, who said that rugby league coming home to Leeds would inspire local youngsters.

“Rugby league and the city of Leeds have been linked since the very formation of the game, and the city has a proud heritage within the sport,” he said.

“It would be fantastic to bring the best players from around the world to perform here in Leeds and it will certainly help inspire the next generation of young Rugby League players.”

The deadline for final bids is July 15, with decisions expected to be announced by the Rugby Football League in November.