its first season in 1998. The NRL was determined to cut its competition to 14 teams and duly cut South Sydney from the premiership for the 2000 season. Fightback and readmission Souths fought their way back through the courtrooms and public rallies, generating a swell of support throughout Sydney and Australia. As they took on the NRL and News Limited. Souths won readmission on appeal during the 2001 season and were brought back into the NRL competition for the 2002 season. The comeback, 2002-04 seasons After being ousted from the NRL league competition in 1999, the Rabbitohs were granted readmission in 2002 after court action led by Sydney solicitor Nick Pappas. Shortly after the reinstatement, Pappas succeeded George Piggins as chairman of the club. Not surprisingly, after having to create an entirely new team for the season, the Rabbitohs were not at their former best and performed disappointingly during their return season. They did however manage to notch up wins over various clubs, including two over Canberra. 2003 saw the team finish as wooden spooners, but they did acquire various new players, including Bryan Fletcher, Ashley Harrison, Justin Smith, Luke MacDougall and Mark Minichello. 2004 was another less-than-successful campaign on the field. Off the field, however, the league world was shocked by the announcement that Penrith CEO Shane Richardson would be quitting his post there to join the Rabbitohs. Richardson had previously led the Penrith Panthers football club to their second ever Premiership in 2003 against the Sydney Roosters. At the time Richardson said words to the effect of "bringing this club back to its previous success will be the challenge of my life. It will be tough, but I expect this club to be competing in the NRL finals in 2008" 2007 season The Rabbitohs announced a series of big-name player signings for season 2007 including Roy Asotasi and Daniel Irvine (prop and hooker from the Bulldogs), David Kidwell (back row forward from Melbourne), Nigel Vagana (centre from Cronulla), Dean Widders (utility forward from Parramatta) and Jeremy Smith (half-back from Parramatta). Of these, Roy Asotasi was extremely popular with fans as he is currently considered by many as one of the top three prop forwards in the game. As a result of this recruitment, Souths were able to field the most internationals (eight) in a game since 1975: Kiwis Nigel Vagana, David Kidwell, Roy Asotasi, Joe Galuvao and David