Penrith Panthers have come from behind to earn a shot a defending their NRL crown in next week's Grand Final against Parramatta Eels.
Trailling South Sydney Rabbitohs 12-0 in a rematch of last year's finalists, the Panthers scored twice in the final moments of the first half to draw level at the break, then hit the afterburners for a 26-12 victory in a ruthless second-half display.
First hooker Api Koroisau, then winger Brian To'o crossed for four-pointers, before Auckland-born Spencer Leniu put the champions ahead for the first time soon after the restart.
Leniu would leave for a concussion check, but returned and left again minutes later, after a crude challenge from Auckland-born Taane Milne, that saw the Souths centre red-carded and his team playing shorthanded for the final 17 minutes.
Panthers captain Nathan Cleary had the last laugh, chipping ahead and gathering to score the final try, which he then converted in the final seconds to clinch victory.
Parramatta sealed their spot in the title game with a 24-20 win over North Queensland Cowboys.
Penrith Panthers 32 (Koroisau, To'o, Leniu, Cleary & Tago tries; Clear 5 conversions & penalty) South Sydney Rabbitohs 12 (Walker & Kennar tries; Mitchell 2 conversions)
Join us on October 2 for live updates of the Penrith v Parramatta NRL Grand Final
