12 rounds are in the books for 2022, and with it comes the halfway point in the campaign, as well as the Origin window.
From the Penrith Panthers running away at the top of the table, to two of last year’s top four becoming two of the season’s biggest disappointments, there has been plenty to keep footy fans on their toes.
Add that to the Queensland teams becoming the competition’s biggest surprise packets, a sacked coach and the Warriors' impending return home whilst still in finals contention, and it has been an excellent first 12 weeks.
So, before things get just a little bit crazy this weekend, with new players, byes and then a Wednesday night game that stops the nation - well, not the nation, but the east coast anyway - it’s time to look back at the opening three months.
Here is how your team has performed during the opening 12 rounds on the Zero Tackle mid-season report card.
Keep in mind that these grades factor in pre-season expectations as much as they do form and results over the first 12 rounds.
Canberra Raiders
Grade: C-
Record: 5 wins, 7 losses, -41 points differential
Ricky Stuart’s side have been an inconsistent rabble in a lot of ways to start the new season, which began with such promise following an opening-round win against the Cronulla Sharks.
The Raiders were poor in 2021, and there was little doubt fans expected a turnaround, given how many players are still in the side from the 2019 grand final side, as well as coach Stuart who is still at the club.
Things quickly soured though, with losses to the Cowboys and Sea Eagles in the opening four weeks.
Much like the Dragons who we just covered, Stuart has seemed unsure of his best side, particularly at fullback, with all of Xavier Savage, Jordan Rapana and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad spending time in the role.
The Raiders went on a four-match losing streak between Round 5 and 8, but have since bounced back, winning three straight - including over the Cronulla Sharks and South Sydney Rabbitohs - to indicate they are a team who will at the very least be in finals contention.
Jamal Fogarty has also returned from injury, however, the club will need him to quickly find his feet, and for Jack Wighton’s form to go up the gears if they hope to play in September.
Best player: Joseph Tapine
Best win: Round 11, vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, 32-12
Worst loss: Round 4, vs Manly Sea Eagles, 25-6
