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Three-time defending premiers Penrith have fought their way to a fifth-straight grand final, after outlasting Cronulla 26-6 at Accor Stadium.

SNAPSHOT OF THE SECOND NRL PRELIMINARY FINAL:

Result: Penrith bt Cronulla 26-6 in front of 33,753 fans at Accor Stadium.

Key moment: After Cronulla had worked their way back into the game at 10-6 down with 20 minutes to play, Penrith's attack came to the fore. They stretched Cronulla on the left, and Nathan Cleary doubled up on a play to kick for an untouched Brian To'o to score on the right. From that point on, the game was never in doubt.

Stat: Penrith are the first side to reach five straight grand finals since South Sydney between 1967 and 1971.

Injuries: Nathan Cleary showed some shoulder discomfort late in the match, but played on for a few minutes after clutching at the joint. He was then put on ice for next Sunday's decider.

Judiciary watch: Panthers - Mitch Kenny (high tackle); Sharks - Siosifa Talakai (dangerous contact), Toby Rudolf (tripping).

What's next? Penrith face Melbourne in next Sunday's grand final, in a clash of this year's heavyweights. For Cronulla, their season is over.