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.
St George Illawarra Dragons
Grade: C+
Record: 6 wins, 6 losses, -73 points differential
The Dragons’ biggest issue so far in 2022 has seemingly been not knowing what the ideal make up of their best 17 is.
Tyrell Sloan, Moses Mbye and Cody Ramsey have all spent time at fullback, while Jack Bird spent time in the halves, and the verdict is still not decided on the roles Talatau Amone and Jayden Sullivan should be playing in the Red V.
The forwards have also been tinkered with, and while not helped by a pre-season injury to Tariq Sims which spilt into the season proper, and the current long-term out of Jaydn Su’A - although he is likely to be back in the coming weeks - the club have been well below their best.
That seems like somewhat of an unfair statement given where they finished last year - just avoiding the bottom four on the back of a horror show during the second half of the season.
But the club could realistically have finished anywhere on the ladder this year. Sitting just outside the eight may be above some expectations, but the list was capable of more. The middle third defence of the Dragons in particular has been woeful at times.
Given Anthony Griffin’s contract extension in the pre-season though, there should have been no excuses, and unfortunately, there have been.
They have certainly had their moments, but there have been too many poor ones filtered in.
Best player: Ben Hunt
Best win: Round 7, vs Sydney Roosters, 14-12
Worst loss: Round 4, vs Parramatta Eels, 48-14
