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.
Canterbury Bulldogs
Grade: F
Record: 2 wins, 10 losses, -149
The season started with a victory for the Bulldogs, but has all but fallen flat on its face ever since.
That win didn’t spark a great deal of confidence - being six points to four over the North Queensland Cowboys - but coming off a wooden spoon with a trip to Townsville in Round 1, a win was always going to be a win, no matter how ugly or low-scoring it might have ultimately turned out to be.
Since then though, they have won just one of their next eleven games, struggling to compete with any team they have come up against.
Expected losses to the top teams have resulted in blowouts - the Storm scored 44, the Panthers 32, Rabbitohs 36, but it’s other games against the likes of the Dragons (34), Tigers (36), and Broncos (34) which have raised real eyebrows about the club’s attack.
They don’t have a fulltime coach after Trent Barrett was dumped, and that isn’t helping, with Mick Potter taking over for the remainder of 2022 before someone - who knows who it’ll be at this point - comes in for 2023.
Their attack hasn’t really improved since the dismal 2021 season, and it’s been all bad news for Canterbury to this point in 2022.
Best player: Matt Burton
Best win: Round 8, vs Sydney Roosters, 16-12
Worst loss: Round 4, vs Melbourne Storm, 44-0
