With pre-season underway in November and the fixture schedule due in just over a week, three forecasts offered markedly different ladder predictions.
Penrith placed first in two predictions and second in the other; the Dolphins ranged from first to fifth, while South Sydney finished between second and sixth.
One forecaster called Penrith the competition's benchmark, citing its development system, winning culture and depth despite personnel changes and possible early injuries.
Payne Haas's arrival was seen as a major boost for Souths, alongside Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Jack Wighton and Cameron Murray.
The Dolphins were tipped for the minor premiership after finishing one win short of top spot in 2026; another prediction backed Newcastle for the top four after last year's seventh-place finish and finals run.
Forecasts differed sharply on the Roosters, placing them between third and tenth after their premiership success, experience losses and uncertainty around Sam Walker.
Parramatta's Jarome Luai and Mitchell Moses, plus Dragons additions Scott Drinkwater, Luke Metcalf and Keaon Koloamatangi, supported predictions of finals berths for both clubs.
The Dragons placed as high as seventh, while Perth ranged from 14th to last and the Titans finished 17th or 18th in every forecast.