The Sydney Roosters have survived an almighty scare to end North Queensland’s NRL season with an extraordinary 31-30 semi-final triumph at Allianz Stadium.

A 76th-minute field goal from five-eighth James Maloney saved the Roosters after the Cowboys threatened to pull off the biggest comeback in 106 years of premiership rugby league.

The Roosters appeared home and hosed after producing a five-try, point-a-minute blitz to lead 30-0 after half an hour.

But, inspired by superstar halfback Johnathan Thurston, the Cowboys sensationally locked the game up at 30-all with 23 minutes remaining.

Alas, another controversial call against the Queenslanders led to their downfall.

With the match deadlocked with eight minutes left on the clock, Roosters star Sonny Bill Williams appeared to drop the ball cold in a tackle.

The referees deemed otherwise, awarded the Roosters a penalty and, three minutes later, Maloney slotted the match-winning one-pointer.

The Roosters’ heart-stopping win sets up a blockbuster preliminary final with South Sydney next Friday night at ANZ Stadium.