After the 2011 split, which saw 7 former AMNRL teams withdraw from the competition to form the new
USA Rugby League, in 2012, 5 of the 6 teams from the previous season returned. Delaware Vipers withdrew, and
Northern Virginia Eagles returned to bring the competition to six. The New York Knights return as defending champions after winning the 2011 AMNRL Grand Final over the Connecticut Wildcats. The 2012 season was buoyed by the national team's success on the international stage — coached by
Matthew Elliott, the Tomahawks had qualified for the
2013 Rugby League World Cup, beating Jamaica and South Africa the previous October. == Teams ==