The call went out and more than 22,000 foxsports.com.au users have responded with this season`s battle for the NRL premiership tipped to be a race between the big five.Last year’s grand finalists Parramatta (12.01 per cent - 2691 votes) lead the way as the most likely premiers, with Canterbury-Bankstown (11.78% - 2640 votes), Melbourne Storm (11.41 per cent - 2557 vote), St George Illawarra (10.1 per cent - 2262 votes) and Brisbane Broncos (9.8 per cent - 2196 votes) snapping at their heels.
In a surprise to many pundits, the Broncos are favoured by many foxsports.com.au users to be the last team standing in October.
Fox Sports league expert Greg Alexander believes Penrith have assembled their best squad since they won the premiership in 2003. However, foxsports.com.au users have made it clear they don’t share Brandy’s enthusiasm when it comes to the Panthers (3.27 per cent - 733 votes).
The one thing foxsports.com.au users and Alexander do agree on is their shared opinion that the Warriors (2.38 per cent – 535 votes) will be nowhere to be seen come finals time.
Newcastle Knights (2.37 per cent – 531 votes) and Canberra (2.47 per cent – 555 votes) are also given little hope by both parties to cause a ripple in the NRL waters.
There is only one thing left to say less than 12 hours away from season kick off - BRING ON THE FOOTY.
THE Australian share market closed in the red on slim trading amid reduced investor appetite for financial stocks
THE share market was marginally lower at noon, showing resilience in the face of lower commodity prices and a weak offshore lead
FOREIGN investors using Australian financial advisers and brokers to invest could escape capital gains tax under a new proposal
US President says new bank tax will recoup all of the $752 billion spent bailing out teetering banks during the global financial crisis. Â 
