North Queensland Cowboys will meet Melbourne Storm in the NRL preliminary finals after a comprehensive 39-0 victory over Cronulla Sharks.

A dominant Cowboys performance saw them run in seven tries against a lacklustre Sharks, the hosts' aggressive display helping them scythe through in attack while being resolute in defence.

Sharks came into the semi-final having beaten Cowboys on both occasions in the regular season, but they were unable to live with their hosts from the outset in Townsville.

Captain Johnathan Thurston kicked the first of his 11 points in the opening exchanges before the first try came the way of Michael Morgan – the five-eighth jinking through to touch down. 

Justin O'Neill also crossed to complete a comfortable opening 20 minutes for the hosts, and they showed no sign of relenting as a converted Scott Bolton try and drop goal from Thurston secured a 19-0 half-time lead.

With victory seemingly secured the Cowboys could have taken their foot off the pedal to enable them to be fresh for the next round, however they continued to dominate and another four tries followed after the break.

Morgan showed great speed and strength to bundle his way over the line for his second of the day, and Antonio Winterstein got in on the act with his 16th score of the season.

Kyle Feldt and Ethan Lowe completed the stunning victory to keep the Cowboys' Grand Final hopes alive, while bringing an abrupt end to the Sharks' campaign.