Queensland miner Tyrone Buckton never spent a day underground but last week died after being diagnosed with silicosis, a lung disease caused by high levels of exposure to silica dust.

It is hardly an ironclad prediction, but the Socceroos are tipped by the revered Manchester United manager to progress from the group stage at the World Cup in Russia.

One of Barnaby Joyce's state Nationals colleagues says the former deputy prime minster should get out of politics and take his "celebrity soap opera" with him.

One of Barnaby Joyce's state Nationals colleagues says the former deputy prime minster should get out of politics and take his "celebrity soap opera" with him.

One of Barnaby Joyce's state Nationals colleagues says the former deputy prime minster should get out of politics and take his "celebrity soap opera" with him.