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.
Newcastle Knights
Grade: D-
Record: 4 wins, 8 losses, -140
Unfortunately for the Knights, most saw this run of form coming.
They were widely tipped to finish in the bottom four this season, and after 12 rounds, that is exactly where they sit on the ladder.
The club have been battered from pillar to post, winning just two of their last ten games. A season that started with promise following wins against the Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers, and seemed to overthrow strong doubts about their attack has developed into one where all those doubts have been proven correct.
Jake Clifford and Adam Clune have struggled, Kalyn Ponga’s contract situation seemed to distract from what was happening on field, and the injury to Jayden Brailey, combined with another one to Kurt Mann, has left them significantly short-changed in the middle third at times.
That’s not to say they haven’t had strong players there, but the depth has lacked, and while the inclusion of recently signed Anthony Milford might help, it may also not be enough to save their season to the point they are a chance of making the eight.
That high shot from Mitch Barnett seemed to be a turning point in Round 3, but it’s impossible to put down two months of bad form to one moment.
The Knights have, simply put, not been good enough, and it potentially even goes to show just how lucky they were last year given they made the finals despite having the competition’s second worst attacking record in a season where scoring points was king.
Best player: David Klemmer
Best win: Round 1, vs Sydney Roosters, 20-6
Worst loss: Round 8, vs Melbourne Storm, 50-2
