The Cowboys have come back to steal an extra‑time thriller at Allianz Stadium winning 15-14 to end the Sharks hopes of being the first team in more than 20 years to win back‑to‑back NRL titles.

Both teams had been tough in defence and fairly unimaginative in attack through the opening 40 minutes with the only first‑half try coming just three minutes into the half in unusual circumstances.

The Cowboys will face the Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium at 7.40pm Saturday while the Brisbane Broncos will host the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium at 7.55pm Friday.

Meanwhile the Roosters and the Storm both advance to the preliminary finals next week.

Source: NRL