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.
Melbourne Storm
Grade: A-
Record: 9 wins, 3 losses, +189 points differential
The fact that the Storm lost a pair of games heavily on the trot and still have a positive for and against tells you all you need to know about their start to the season.
The grade is only as low as it is because of those losses, and while fans will blame injuries, they simply aren’t an excuse - it’s as simple as that. If they happen when the whips are cracking in September, you best be able to cover them, or it’ll be a wasted effort for 25 rounds.
Regardless of that, the Storm are the second-best team in this competition and potentially still the only side with the ability to challenge the Panthers due to the fabulous coaching of Craig Bellamy.
They had some hard-fought wins early in the season, then put 70 points on the Warriors, 50 on the Knights and 42 on the Dragons in back-to-back-to-back weeks before injuries hit.
The form of Cameron Munster has been something special, while both Harry Grant and Ryan Papenhuyzen have also been electric.
They will have Papenhuyzen return in the coming weeks, and at full fitness, it’d be intriguing to see them go up against the Panthers again. Unfortunately, that’s going to be a waiting game until Round 22.
Best player: Cameron Munster
Best win: Round 6, vs Cronulla Sharks, 34-18
Worst loss: Round 10, vs Penrith Panthers, 32-6
