Does this mean that the leagues are any closer to unification?
I really don't think Nui is the main force keeping the leagues apart. I think certain teams in the USARL might feel pressue to make some concessions that they really don't want to make. My gut tells me that there are some serious power players in the USARL that really have nothing to gain by bringing the leagues together and have quite a bit to lose(influence and voting power), so there will definitely be some resistance.
Unification seems simple from the AMNRL perspective, as none of us are really hurt by a merger, maybe a little more travel, but both leagues have been good about accommodating teams and their travel restrictions.
it seems that the AMNRL's idea of a merger is bringing the leagues together similar to before the split, just with Nui's role greatly diminished and a democratic voting structure. (Seems simple enough and a fairly positive step to me, but is this enough considering the evolution of the USARL).
Not sure what the USARL's idea of a successful merger is, but I am not sure it would be as simple as the scenario above. And if they are happy with the way things are going currently, Why they would want to make a move other than just absorbing the other teams.
The two leagues have really gone in different directions regarding structure and costs, and I am not saying there is a right or wrong way of running things, but it will be really interesting to see if there is a common ground.
I can't wait for the announcement of the NEW name of the league. Will the AMNRL drop the unnesasary "M"? Will the USARL realize have the word "United" in their name makes little sense when the leagues are divided? My vote is the USSMNEBAFTPRL
(United Select States Mostly in the North East But Also in Florida That Play Rugby League) or Simply The URL "United Rugby League"