Cronulla Sharks have survived a comeback from the Penrith Panthers to advance to within one game of the NRL grand final with a heart-stopping 21-20 victory in the preliminary final last night.

Sharks led 18-2 at half time.

Fijian-born winger, Waqa Blake scored Panthers fourth try in the 68th minute of play.

The Sharks will now meet arch-rivals Melbourne at AAMI Park next Friday night.

Meanwhile, in tonight’s match, the Dragons takes on the Rabbitohs at 9.40pm and you can watch the match live on FBC TV.