A total of 17 applications were made for the tournament, due to be held on February 23 and 24, which have now been whittled down to eight. 

Following their success in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Championships, Papua New Guinea will be defending the men's title alongside hosts Australia, England, Scotland, Fiji, Samoa, Wales and Tonga.

In the women's competition, hosts Australia will be joined by Canada, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands.

The most notable absentees from a tournament which will take place shortly before the Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, though, are New Zealand.

They did not compete in Glasgow because of the cost, it is claimed.

It is not clear why they are not competing in Australia.

"The Commonwealth Championships provided a colourful and exciting competition in Glasgow during 2014 and we look forward to two exciting tournaments in 2018 in Queensland," RLIF chairman Nigel Wood said.

"Given the pace of the development of women's rugby league we are delighted to announce the expansion of the female event to six nations and RLIF wishes to thank Moreton Bay and Queensland Rugby League for their support in staging these Championships."

The selection of Redcliffe to host the Championships came after a successful joint bid by Moreton Bay Regional Council, Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism, Redcliffe District Rugby League Football Club and Redcliffe Leagues Club.

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland claimed last month that the event was a major coup for the area, which is the home of rugby league immortal Arthur Beetson and successful players including Brent Tate, Matt Gillett, Jack Reed and Petero Civoniceva.

"Moreton Bay is no stranger to hosting large sporting events, and I'm thrilled to be able to welcome players, coaches, staff and die-hard league supporters from around the world for the 2018 Commonwealth Championship," Sutherland said.

"An event like this will not only broadcast some of the best rugby league talent to all corners of the globe, it will also reinforce Moreton Bay's reputation as a destination for international travellers and premier events.

"The Commonwealth Championship will provide a huge injection into our region's local economy and will see countless visitors stay at local hotels, eat at our best restaurants and cafes, and discover our iconic attractions.

"As a hotbed for rugby league, I can't think of a better fit for the Championship than right here in Moreton Bay."