Penrith's unbeaten start to the season has convinced more fans they'll reign supreme as the 2021 premiers, according to data from NRL.com's Ladder Predictor.
And support for St George Illawarra, considered rank outsiders to begin the year, to go all the way has increased on the back of four consecutive wins pushing Anthony Griffin's team into fourth place.
After five rounds, 24% of Ladder Predictor users are now backing the Panthers to avenge their 2020 grand final defeat.
While they were already the most popular premiership pick after round one (17%), the 7% increase in fans tipping them to take out the title is the biggest growth of any team from then to now.
Wins over the Storm, who beat them in last year's decider, and the Raiders have proved to many that Penrith are the real deal.
Meanwhile, the Roosters have lost some support on the back of a season-ending knee injury to star playmaker Luke Keary.
The 2018-19 champions were selected to hoist the Provan Summons trophy by 12% of Ladder Predictor users after round one but now, only 7% think they can overcome adversity and return to the summit.
South Sydney (15% round one to 19% round five) have firmed with fans after a four-game winning streak while other big guns like Melbourne (9% to 8%), Parramatta (12% to 11%) and Canberra (10% to 7%) are considered less likely to win the competition.
Panthers tactics pick apart makeshift Raiders
Out of the rest of the sides, the resurgent Dragons (3% to 5%) and the Warriors (3% to 4%) are the only ones to have an increase in Ladder Predictor users choosing them to achieve the ultimate glory.
Thousands of fans have weighed in with their ladder predictions. You can can access the ladder predictor with a free NRL Account and fans are also able to add in hypothetical tips and margins to give a glimpse into how the regular season and finals series will play out.
During the season the ladder predictor offers a user-friendly toggle experience to distinguish the current and hypothetical standings.
Fans who used the ladder predictor last year can hit the "reset all" button to start 2021 with a clean slate.
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