Double down on rugby league

Something different today as four teams run out at Mt Smart in a rare double-header. First-up Wests Tigers face the Melbourne Storm who have won two and lost two in the opening rounds. The Warriors then play their second home game of the season against Jason Taumalolo and the North Queensland Cowboys who, against all predictions, have won only one in four and have far more teams above than below them on the early table. In a pre-season guide published in Queensland, six of 12 experts picked the Cowboys to win the minor premiership. The same panel also ignored the Warriors with six having them as wooden spoon favourites and only one picking a top eight finish (at seventh). Fellow pacesetters St George too struggled to find much favour with the pundits with six not predicting a top eight finish while three had them at eighth, two at seventh and one fifth. They also pointed out that last year the Dragons became just the fourth team since 1998 to miss the finals after starting their season with eight or more wins in the opening 12 rounds. In tonight's late game the Knights are at home to the Broncos. Tomorrow the Titans host the Sea Eagles and Penrith travel to play the Eels.

● NRL, today 4.30pm, 7pm, 9.30pm; tomorrow

3.30pm/6pm; Thursday 9pm; Friday 7.30pm/9.30pm. Queensland Cup, today 3.30pm. UK Super League, today 6.30am; tomorrow 2.15am; Friday 6.30am.