 Souths remained in the ARL during the 1997 season, and then played in the National Rugby League, the merger of the Super League and ARL, from 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.Souths fought their way back through the courtrooms and public rallies, generating a swell of support throughout Sydney and Australia.