Parramatta Eels have reached their first NRL Grand Final since 2009 after a come-from-behind victory over North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville.
Looking to end their 36-year wait for a premiership, the Eels will face the winner of Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs - who face off in the second preliminary final on Saturday in a repeat of the 2021 decider.
In a fast start, both sides traded tries in the opening minutes, as Parramatta's Will Penisini and North Queensland's Reuben Cotter both scored.
The Eels were fortunate to see the try stand, though, with shades of a forward pass to Penisini from halfback Mitchell Moses.
The Cowboys' cause was hindered after 15 minutes, when enforcer Jason Taumalolo was sent to the sin bin for a high shot on Isaiah Papali'i - allowing the Eels to take the lead through prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard thanks to the numerical advantage.
But even down to 12, the Cowboys didn't relent as Luciano Leilua came off the bench and barged over on the left edge to level the scores. Both teams went into the break at 12-all.
After halftime, the Cowboys took the lead for the first time through a penalty to Valentine Holmes, before winger Murray Taulagi scored North Queensland's third. A quick ball to the left from Holmes sent the 23-year-old over, as the successful conversion gave the hosts a 20-12 advantage.
Down by eight with just over 20 minutes to play, Campbell-Gillard's second gave the Eels hope as the front rower was put through unmarked to move the Eels to within four points of the Cowboys.
Eels halfback Moses had the opportunity to level the scores but missed a penalty as Parramatta heads began to drop.
But from the next play, Maika Sivo proved to be the Eels' saviour as the winger dotted down on the left flank for Parramatta to hold out and reach the 2022 Grand Final.
The Eels haven't won the NRL since 1986 but have lost Grand Finals in 2001 and 2009 in that time, and will hope to make it third time lucky when they meet either the Panthers or Rabbitohs next Sunday.
North Queensland Cowboys 20 (Cotter, Leilua, Taulagi tries; Holmes 2 conversions; Holmes 2 penalties) Parramatta Eels 24 (Penisini, Campbell-Gillard 2, Sivo tries; Moses 4 conversions)
