Here we are, smack bang in the middle of the NRL season and halfway through a pulsating State of Origin series.
Some teams have stunned me this season, others have been grossly disappointing.
This week, I have rated each team on performance to date but also pre-season expectation. Cronulla is one club that have exceeded all expectations in my opinion.
So without fear or favour, this is how I have rated your team:
Melbourne A+Canterbury A
Brisbane A
Souths A-
Cronulla A-
Cowboys B+
Wests Tigers B
Manly B
Warriors B-
Gold Coast B-
Canberra C
Sydney Roosters C
Dragons C-
Newcastle C-
Penrith D
Parramatta D-
The Storm have the best attack and defence in the game. It's difficult to rate them below an A+.
Their coach Craig Bellamy has done another superb job although the loss of Billy Slater for four to six weeks will test their depth.
I gave Newcastle a C- based on the fact they have the worst attack in the NRL.
The Knights have been disappointing, no doubt, although fans did expect instant results when Wayne Bennett arrived in town.
Newcastle's on-going success was always going to take some time.
I knows fans are a little frustrated but the season will turn for Newcastle and I know the future remains bright.
Parramatta earned a D-...what else could I rate them?
The Eels have the worst defence in the game and have struggled in virtually every match this season.I really can't see any team from the bottom eight storming into the finals, except maybe the Warriors, who can do some damage given the amount of points they have in them.
New Zealand showed last year what they can do with some momentum although they would have been angry at losing to Cronulla on the weekend when they led comfortably into the final moments.
The Dragons and Raiders look off the pace and I don't think they can come surge into the play-offs.At the top, it is wide open.
Canterbury have surprised many and sit nicely in second spot. They can win this title, no doubt.
Souths look a well-structured and disciplined team while Brisbane have a lovely mixture of experience and brilliant youth.
Wests Tigers and Manly are also hovering. The Sea Eagles certainly know how to win big games.
The bulk of last year's premiership-winning side are still at Brookvale and they could cause more havoc come September.
The back-half of season 2012 should be a ripper. It is the most wide-open competition for years.
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