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.
Parramatta Eels
Grade: B
Record: 8 wins, 4 losses, +56 points differential
Inconsistent would be the best word to describe Parramatta’s first half of the season, with the club battling at times, but impressing in others.
Right back to the opening rounds, they have shown signs of the promise and potential they can hit, but have also struggled at others to go anywhere near that.
From the Round 2 loss to the Sharks, the Round 3 win over the Storm and then racking up the points against the Dragons and Knights, Brad Arthur’s side seem to have picked up right where they left off last year.
That has continued, with losses to the Cowboys and Roosters on either side of that famous win over the Penrith Panthers - one which snapped a 21-game winning streak at home for the mountain men.
Given the number of players they have leaving the club at the end of the year - Reed Mahoney, Ray Stone, Isaiah Papali’i and Marata Niukore are confirmed departures, while Ryan Matterson’s future hangs in the balance - it’s hard to think that won’t play a role at some point during the second half of the season.
The form of Matterson in particular has been outstanding, although he has received plenty of backing from fellow departee to be Papali’i, while Clint Gutherson and Mitchell Moses have also been in good touch.
Dylan Brown has been just about the competition’s most improved player too, just quietly.
Even so, the Eels are a team, well and truly, in the premiership race, but they will need to find some consistency if they are to break their lengthy silverware drought.
Best player: Ryan Matterson
Best win: Round 9, vs Penrith Panthers, 22-20
Worst loss: Round 8, vs North Queensland Cowboys, 35-4
