Round 26 of the ASRL has been played out, with some exciting results. Sydney's dream comeback was thwarted by the Gold Coast, whilst Central Coast and Brisbane made good on their Dark Horse form.

The Gold Coast Crusade have survived a trying encounter with the Sydney Oilers to claim their first minor premiership. Drawn up at 18 all with five to go, two late penalties from Andrew Johns sealed the game. One for fighting (between Anthony Mundine and Danny Buderus) was the sealer. The loss sent Sydney from 4th to 9th, ending their dreams of a miracle finals appearance.

The Brisbane Bulls snuck into the finals after their nightmare start to the season. The tough 20-10 win over the Newcastle Fear proves that the premiership is alive and well, as the two sides fought it out in style.

A two try effort from former Australian centre Ryan Girdler has earnt Carnarvon a top four berth after they downed a spirited Canberra side 16-8 in front of a modest crowd.

The Central Coast Falcons have done the impossible and made a final series in their first year. The Falcons have looked dead of late, but mustered enough to down the Darwin Cyclones 20-12 at The Entrance in front of a packed house. Steve Reardon, man of the match, was a local hero after he set up two tries to seal it.

The Central Phoenix have ended Adelaide's final aspirations, but fell short by two points in their quest to make a finals berth. The Phoenix won 30-18 after their forwards laid the foundation, but fell one win short of a finals berth after their impressive season form.

Hobart have provided an upset to kick things off with a 20-6 thrashing of the New England Ferrets in Hobart. A two try haul from Dean Schiffiliti was the catalyst, whilst retiring lock Paul Smith scored for the Ferrets.

The North Melbourne Maulers have annihilated the Country Diamonds 52-10, providing the biggest scoreline of the season. The Maulers scored nine tries, including doubles to Anasta and Lavea.

Perth have sealed second place with a dominant, but still hard fought, win over the Hawkesbury Mavericks. It was a disappointing end to the season, as the Mavericks lost 22-10. Glenn Morrison's two try haul earnt him player of the year.

Sunshine Coast have finished their season with a win, downing Parramatta 22-6 to end the fledgling sides impressive form.

Manly may be out of the race, but they finished their premiership defence with honour, downing West Sydney 22-12 in front of a large crowd. It seems despite the dissolution of the club and their lack of success, the fans stuck by to see them off.

The Final Table
Gold Coast 38 +121
Perth 36 +159
New England 34 +109
Carnarvon 30 -10
Hobart 29 +73
North Melbourne 29 +48
Central Coast 29 -36
Brisbane 29 -38
Sydney 28 +80
Central 27 +144
Adelaide 27 +50
Sunshine Coast 26 -4
Hawkesbury 25 +14
Manly 24 +17
Parramatta 22 +16
Darwin 22 -48
Newcastle 21 -34
Country 20 -154
Canberra 17 -189
West Sydney 7 -301

THIS WEEKS FINALS
Gold Coast vs. Hobart at Carara
Perth vs. North Melbourne at Subiaco
New England vs. Central Coast at Armidale Oval
Carnarvon vs. Brisbane at Carnarvon

No eliminations. Simply positional.