A 36-year Premiership drought is hanging by a thread after Parramatta qualified for their first Grand Final since 2009.
It was an extraordinary effort from the Eels, coming from 20-12 down mid-way through the second half to finish over the top of the Cowboys in Townsville.
In the end a Maika Sivo try 16 minutes from full-time proved the match winner.
The Eels were error-riddled in the first half but still managed to go into half-time level at 12-all.
The Cowboys appeared headed for victory when they took an eight point lead but Parramatta simply wouldn’t go away.
The Eels now have a chance to win their first Premiership since 1986 when they take on either Penrith or South Sydney at Accor Stadium next weekend.
Eels coach Brad Arthur said it’s a special feeling to qualify for the season decider.
“I’m really happy for the boys. They made a lot of sacrifices along the way,” he said.
“We wanted it real bad. You could see that.”
Arthur said he was confident of winning despite a disappointing first half.
“They’re a very good team and they’ve played well all year but I felt like we were in control,” he said.
“I felt like they looked a bit tired and out on their feed. We felt if we got possession and field position we would finish over the top of them.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.