I think the NRL is actioning a form of expansion via it's own organisation and branding. I've seen the same shield logo used for Pacific Islands too. Perhaps they see themselves being more relevant than the RLIF?

In their eyes nothing other than themselves is relevant.

Yep

Unless this feeds into talks of a SL breakaway league that is.....

Hmmm that would be interesting. Also interesting if there is some kind of tie up going on behind the scenes. I mean why would Wigan and Hull play in NRL territory?
No NRL game has yet been played on British soil.