NRL round 26: the games that will shape week one of 2016 finals series and other top stories.

• NRL round 26: the games that will shape week one of 2016 finals series

  

  ROUND 26 is set to be an absolute ripper, with nine teams still in the race and some huge clashes to determine the top two, top four and who gets home advantage. The Wests Tigers’ win over the Warriors has whittled the field right down, with the Titans and thew Tigers both set to clash with top four opponents for the right to secure the final spot in the top eight.There’s also a minor premiership to be determined as the Storm host the Sharks in a blockbuster preview to a mouth-watering finals se..

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• Queensland teen pilot soars into record books with epic flight

  

  Despite landing back on home ground at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday morning, Lachlan Smart is on top of the world after becoming the youngest pilot to fly solo around the world.The 18-year-old from Nambour ended his journey at Maroochydore Airport where it all began 54 days earlier. More News Videos Previous slide Next slide Queensland teen returns from solo flight around the world Thomas a hero after stabbings Alleged killer fails to appear ..

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• All Blacks player Owen Franks cleared of alleged eye-gouge of Kane Douglas

  

  All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has defended Owen Franks, saying SANZAAR made the right decision not to suspend him for an alleged eye-gouge on Australia's Kane Douglas during Saturday night's Bledisloe Cup match. New video of the incident emerged late on Sunday that shows Franks clearly making contact with Douglas' eyes, but SANZAAR deemed there were no incidents from the match that reached a red card threshold. Franks will be free to play for the remainder of the All Blacks' Rugby Championship ..

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• Home semi bigger than minor premiership: Cronulla Sharks

  

  It's the game that decides the minor premiership, but according to Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan it's not the major prize.The Sharks set up a final-round blockbuster with Melbourne next week after snapping their month-long winless run with a 37-12 victory Sydney Roosters on Saturday night. More Sport Videos Previous slide Next slide Sharks smash Roosters as Ennis farewelled Thrilling Tigers finish the Warriors Moylan field goal books finals ticket ..

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• Jumping Jack flash: Hawthorn debutant helps club into top four and clash with Geelong

  

  Hawthorn will launch their latest premiership defence from the top four after a one-point win against Collingwood lifted them up the ladder and into double-chance territory. But coach Alastair Clarkson says they will have to improve significantly to beat a "red-hot" Geelong.The Hawks will play the Cats in a Friday night qualifying final at the MCG, having faced the real prospect of finishing in sixth spot and having to survive a series of sudden-death finals to win their fourth consecutive flag..

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• Gold Coast Titans' Ryan James avoids suspension for tackle on Penrith's Reagan Campbell-Gillard

  

  Gold Coast's Ryan James has escaped sanction from the NRL's match review committee for a tackle that left Penrith prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard with a broken back, as some of the game's highest profile players defended the controversial "prowler".James, who only a fortnight ago was embroiled in a judiciary storm for a tackle that fractured the jaw of Tigers fullback James Tedesco, will be free to play in the Titans' crunch clash with the Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday night. Free to play..

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• St Kilda coach Alan Richardson says he wasn't surprised by Nick Riewoldt's nine-goal performance

  

  ST KILDA coach Alan Richardson lauded the discipline and leadership of captain Nick Riewoldt after the champion forward finished off season 2016 with a brilliant nine-goal haul.In what is widely expected to be Riewoldt’s last game as St Kilda captain before handing over the role, the veteran starred in the Saints’ 58-point win over the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium, also pulling in a remarkable 21 marks.MATCH REPORT: SAINT NICK UNSTOPPABLE IN LIONS ROUTRichardson said he was not surprised by ..

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• Vikings put hands up for Wallabies selection

  

  Wallabies selections may be the only disruption that will emerge for the Canberra Vikings following their dominant 58-20 thrashing of Queensland Country in their round one National Rugby Championship clash.The Queensland team selected a strong side but were no match for the Brumbies-ladened Vikings, who had 36 points on the board before their opponents finally scored deep in the second half on Sunday at Bond University Oval on the Gold Coast. Joe Powell makes a break for the Canberra Vikin..

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Tenancy problems and whitegoods top list of common consumer complaints .	Hawthorn, Greater Western Sydney and the Western Bulldogs are ... .
Geelong's hopes of a home final are in the balance despite a 60 ... .	Why did this pollie flip the bird? .