Barr will lobby the Football Federation Australia to cash in on Canberra's Asian Cup success and be a part of the World Cup qualifying program, which runs from September 8 to March 29, 2016.

News of the government's Socceroos' plans came less than 24 hours after Raiders coach Ricky Stuart challenged the NRL to have a greater presence in Canberra to compete with the GWS Giants and AFL.

Barr backed Stuart's stance and could meet with NRL boss David Smith as early as next week to start strengthening ties.

Barr also believes strong cross-sport competition will benefit Canberra, ensuring fans get access to the best games in all codes and international fixtures.

Soccer is at the top of the hit list, with Barr targeting the Australian team for a return to Canberra following the success of seven Asian Cup games and bumper crowds in January.

The Socceroos play Jordan (ranked 103 in the world), Tajikistan (143), Kyrgyzstan (153) and Bangladesh (167) in their World Cup qualifiers.

"I've looked at the group games and where the matches would be played ... Perth has a game but there are a few home games against other teams that haven't been allocated a venue in Australia," Barr said.

"On face value, you'd think they're games that could work in Canberra. All you can do is ask, we won't die wondering."

The government has a 10-year, $23 million deal with the Giants to play three premiership matches and a pre-season fixture at Manuka Oval.

The Brumbies and the Raiders are about to start re-negotiating their respective deals with the ACT government, which expire at the end of the year, in the hope of increasing their funding.

Stuart wants NRL hierarchy to forge a relationship with the government similar to what the AFL has been able to build with its partnership with the Giants.

Barr conceded the AFL was setting the standard for breaking into new markets, but said the NRL had started to make ground since the introduction of an independent commission.

"I think Ricky is right to highlight that more can be done. Of course more can be done," Barr said.

"We'll happily work with the NRL on opportunities for rugby league in Canberra. It would be fair to observe that the AFL was light years ahead of the NRL in a number of things.

"But the NRL are catching up fast and I give them credit for that. But Ricky is right, they can and should do more in Canberra and I've asked for that.

"We're all for getting a better deal for NRL fans in Canberra, not just Raiders games and getting them on free to air television.

"The outcome we want to see is that all sports are actively engaged in bringing the best of their sports to the city, both at elite level and grassroots and junior development.

"There's room for optimism around the Raiders and the NRL ... Canberra and the region is an important market and shouldn't be easily dismissed."

Barr is working with top officials from all sports - rugby league, rugby union, AFL, soccer and cricket - to attract international matches to Canberra in the coming years.

It is also hoped a new rectangular stadium with a roof will be built in Civic in the next six years to reinvigorate the fan experience.

The Raiders and Brumbies face a massive battle to lure fans back to Canberra Stadium for home matches, with both clubs trying to get people into the stands instead of a sitting at home or at a pub to watch the game.

"I think it would be fair to say that in terms of game development, soccer and AFL have probably jumped ahead of league and union in terms of deploying resources into grassroots," Barr said.

"Our support for the Brumbies and Raiders comes in many different ways ... We actively seek good relationships with all of the sports and there has been a good one with the NRL."