What’s on the box

Week ahead

The Warriors bandwagon is rolling out of its summer garage with a new driver after Shaun Johnson’s departure from the club during the off-season.

How many jump aboard will — as always — depend on the results but the faithful will be hoping for big things. It all starts this afternoon against the Bulldogs.

While the NRL starts, cricket winds down after a long summer of success. New Zealand were looking to sweep Bangladesh in the third test which was due to start today at Hagley Oval but yesterday’s horrific terror attacks on mosques in Christchurch, in which the touring team were almost caught up, made any kind of play untenable.

NRL

The Warriors roared out of the blocks last season but were knocked out in the first week of the finals and lost key players in the off-season but the feeling at the club is one of optimism this season. The Doggies lost 16 of 24 games in 2018 after a bad opening month. Warriors fans will be hoping for a similar start to last year.

Warriors v Bulldogs, Sky Sport 2, today 4.30pm

Golf

The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass is always worth watching just to see the players negotiate the notorious island green on the 17th hole. It’s also the last big shake-down before The Masters.

The Players Championship, Sky Sport 4, from 6am today, 7am tomorrow and 6am Monday.

Rugby

Believe it not, there are still three potential champions heading into the last round of Six Nations action early tomorrow. Wales can sew it up with a win against Ireland in Warren Gatland’s farewell Six Nations test but equally the Irish (on the eve of St Patrick’s Day) can defend their title with a bonus-point win but only if England stumble against Scotland, which appears unlikely. And if Wales do lose to Ireland, and England beat Scotland, it will be the Red Rose that ends up smelling sweetest.

Wales v Ireland, Sky Sport 2, tomorrow 3.30am. England v Scotland, Sky Sport 2, tomorrow 5.50am