Daniel Tupou and Latrell Mitchell inspired a second-half fightback from the Sydney Roosters as the NRL minor premiers moved into the Preliminary Finals at the expense of the Cronulla Sharks.

After finishing top of the table at the end of the regular season much was expected from the Roosters as they look to be crowned champions for the first time since 2013.

For the opening 50 minutes they were far from comfortable, though, as the Sharks looked on course to end a run of three defeats to their near neighbours.

Tries from Sosaia Feki and Edrick Lee, plus kicks from the ever-reliable Valentine Holmes had the Sharks 12-10 ahead early in the second period, however the Roosters soon found a new gear.

A sensational knock back from Tupou allowed Mitchell to cross in the 52nd minute, and the former was soon touching down himself after a sensational cut-out pass from James Tedesco.

That gave the Roosters a six-point cushion which kicks from Cooper Cronk and Mitchell extended as the top-ranked side completed a 21-12 victory.

While Trent Robinson's side march onto the Preliminary Finals, the Sharks will have a second chance of progression when they meet the Penrith Panthers in the semi-finals.

The Panthers made a sluggish start to their Elimination Final against the New Zealand Warriors at ANZ Stadium, the hosts falling 12-2 behind after 15 minutes.

Tries from Issac Luke and David Fusitu'a - his 23rd of the season - looked to have given the Warriors control, but the Panthers finally found their rhythm and notched up 24 unanswered points.

A double from Tyrone Peachey quickly helped put the Panthers back in command as the Warriors struggled to come to terms with the loss of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to a knee injury.

Having led by six at the break, the Panthers kept their season alive thanks to Christian Crichton's 50th-minute try, Nathan Cleary adding the conversion and a penalty to wrap up a 27-12 win.