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.
New Zealand Warriors
Grade: C-
Record: 4 wins, 8 losses, -97 points differential
The Warriors are possibly the toughest team to judge in the competition this year given a very unique set of circumstances that have been presented to the club.
Still playing in Australia, the attention has turned away from how the New Zealand-based players are being impacted, but rather, which Australian-based ones will actually be returning to New Zealand with the rest of the team next season.
It has created unwanted headlines on an almost weekly basis for the club, who haven’t helped themselves with poor form on the park. Although how much of that form can be put down to the distractions is still the key question facing the outfit.
Nathan Brown’s future also seems to be in a smoking cannon, while the immediate release of Matt Lodge now coupled with the injury to Addin Fonua-Blake creates yet more headaches for the Warriors.
They have managed some solid victories, but have also been blown out of the water too often, with that ANZAC Day loss to the Storm - where they conceded an enormous 70 points - springing to mind all too quickly.
Tohu Harris being out of the first half of the year didn’t help either, and nor has the injury to Josh Curran, but the Warriors should be going better than they are despite everything going on off the field.
Best player: Addin Fonua-Blake
Best win: Round 4, vs Brisbane Broncos, 20-6
Worst loss: Round 7, vs Melbourne Storm, 70-10
