The Eels came back to beat the Cowboys and book their first Grand Final spot since 2009, while the Panthers scored 32 unanswered points from the 35th minute onwards to power past the Rabbitohs and make their third-straight appearance in the decider.
Here is the Team of the Week for Finals Week 3.
1. Dylan Edwards
Had one of his best attacking games of the season, breaking an impressive 14 tackles and running for 287 metres. Made the key long-range break on a kick return which led to Izack Tago's try that put Penrith two scores clear.
2. Brian To’o
Scored a timely try off a turnover which put the Panthers right back into the game just before the break. Had 293 run metres from the wing in a determined performance.
To'o intercepts and bumps his way to the line
3. Will Penisini
Had to soak up a lot of pressure on his side of the field, and made 12 tackles with some quality reads. While it's his first full year as a NRL player, the 20-year-old looked right at home. Popped up nicely for his try.
4. Isaiah Tass
Could have struggled without his experienced edge partner Alex Johnston, but put forward an assured performance. Laid on a nice pass for Richard Kennar's try.
5. Maika Sivo
Came up with a couple of huge plays inside the final 20 minutes, scoring the go-ahead try before doing just enough to force Kyle Feldt to put a foot in touch, on his way to a try which would have tied scores late in the match.
6. Dylan Brown
Played his role well, and in the second half especially worked to free Mitchell Moses up. Had plenty of traffic sent his way and made 30 tackles.
7. Nathan Cleary
The picture of poise as he guided his team around the park. Scored a clever late try, set up another one and was perfect off the boot, kicking five conversions and a penalty.
Cleary kicks, Leniu collects
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
It doesn't come much better for a big man than scoring two crucial tries in a Preliminary Final, and you could see how much it meant to 'RCG'. A strong game in the middle of the park all round.
RCG powers over
9. Reed Mahoney
Another tireless performance in defence, making a game-high 58 tackles. Set up a try and had a line-break assist. Kept driving his team when the going got tough.
10. James Fisher-Harris
Averaged 10 metres on his 14 carries and laid a solid platform for Cleary and Luai. Made 37 tackles in a 51-minute stint.
11. Shaun Lane
Arguably Parramatta's best player on Friday night. Had a brief stint on the sideline for a HIA in the first half, but returned to come up with some massive plays. Set up Maika Sivo's game-winner with a deft pass and made some crucial defensive interventions in the dying stages.
Lane sends Sivo over
12. Keaon Koloamatangi
Did a good job on Viliame Kikau for most of the match, which included belting him with a couple of big shots. Didn't miss a single tackle in 40 attempts. A standout at the end of a tough night for South Sydney.
13. Jason Taumalolo
Set the tempo for North Queensland early on with some stinging carries, and by the end of the game had 180 metres to his name. Along with Cotter, he was the best forward on the park in a Cowboys jersey.
14. Reuben Cotter
Gave it everything in a losing side. His try came off a spirited carry which summed up his game, with the Maroons rep popping up all over the field. Had 45 tackles without a single miss.
Cotter gets a well-deserved try
15. Liam Martin
Made every one of his eight carries count, running for 125 metres and breaking four tackles. It was in defence that he really stood out though, making 40 tackles on his edge.
16. Cameron Murray
A pillar of strength for the Rabbitohs in the middle of the park. Had a hand in most of the good things that came from South Sydney and was huge in defence, making 53 tackles.
17. Ryan Matterson
Delivered real punch off the bench in a 59-minute shift. Carried 19 times for 154 metres and set up a try with ball in hand, while on the other side he has 39 tackles.
