Grading every Super League team’s 2022 season

2022 is about to end and thus a time of reflection is about to begin.

It is no different for Super League fans as they reflect on the year that was and the Super League season.

So, we have graded every team’s 2022 campaign.

Castleford Tigers
Grade: C
The Tigers were tipped by some to make the top four in 2022 and were hoping to return to the play-offs after missing out in 2021 due to a last round defeat to Warrington. However, they were made to pay for a poor start to the season as well as a last minute defeat to Leeds. With five minutes of the regular season left, they were in the play-offs but had to make do with another seventh place. They will also have been disappointed with their Challenge Cup exit.

Catalans Dragons
Grade: D
Catalans were expected to kick on from 2021 after they won the League Leaders’ Shield and played in an inaugural Grand Final. They made some major signings but ended up slipped down the league to fourth and missed out on the semi-finals. Ultimately a disappointing year for the French side.

Huddersfield Giants
Grade: A
One of Huddersfield Giants’ greatest ever seasons. They finished third and weren’t far from making the top two. They were statistically brilliant enjoying the most attacking possession in Super League and forcing more goal line drop outs than anyone. They were also five minutes away from a Challenge Cup Final win and arguably should have won the final.

Hull FC
Grade: D-
Another season where Hull started well in the mix for the top four but fell away in the second half of the year. Injuries didn’t help but for another year that promised much, it was a disappointing season but 2023 should be much better.

Hull KR
Grade: D+
Like their rivals, 2022 was supposed to be a big year for the Robins. They finished sixth in 2021 and were set to kick on and started well. But injuries mixed with the announcement that Tony Smith would be leaving at the end of the year derailed them. They finished the year strongly and finished eighth which is why they get a D+ as their rivals were D-.

Leeds Rhinos
Grade: B
Expected to push for the top four, their first half of the season would have warranted an F grade as they found themselves 11th in April. However, their end of the season under new boss Rohan Smith would have been an A*. They made winning a habit and made it all the way to the Grand Final but lost. Fifth was still a relative disappointment but the Grand Final appearance could be a sign of things to come.

Salford Red Devils
Grade: A
An exceptional season, especially at the end of the year as they started playing mesmeric rugby and blowing teams even the Champions and Huddersfield. They arguably could have won the semi-final against St Helens if star man Brodie Croft would have been fit.

St Helens
Grade: A
What else are you supposed to give the Champions? They won a fourth consecutive title despite some key injuries to some star players and finished top of the pile. The only disappointment was another failed treble bid.

Toulouse Olympique
Grade: D
Relegated despite some encouraging performances especially in the middle third of the season. A stronger proposition at home and an exciting watch, they tailed away at the end of the season. It was disappointing result for the French side.

Wakefield Trinity
Grade: C
Wakefield will have been disappointed with the first two thirds of the season and looked like they could suffer relegation until they finished the season strongly and even finished as high as 10th.

Warrington Wolves
Grade: E
Expected to be in the conversation for the title, had Warrington lost to Toulouse towards the end of the season we could have been the unthinkable. The season wasn’t without its positives. Some young players stood out and Matt Dufty was a great signing.

Wigan Warriors
Grade: A
The Wigan Warriors delivered their 20th Challenge Cup with a dramatic final win over Huddersfield. Meanwhile, the Warriors were unbeaten at home in the regular season and not far off the League Leaders’ Shield. The Warriors perhaps should have played in a Grand Final.