SUTHERLAND Sharks will play Sydney Olympic at home in Sunday's sudden-death Premier League final, after their heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Wollongong Wolves in extra time on Sunday.

Buoyed on by a large supporter group, the Wolves came from 1-0 down in the first half of the major semi to tie scores in the grand final playoff match, then beat the 2008 premiers.

It was as big a result for the injury-riddled Wolves as it was tough for Sutherland, the latter winning the premiership three weeks ago courtesy of a draw with Wollongong that day.

Sutherland coach Brian Brown lamented his side's missed chances in an entertaining game, extended to the 16th minute of extra time in front of about 1000 fans.

``Turnbull [Wolves goalkeeper Michael Turnbull] made two or three outstanding saves and kept them in the game, but generally the Wolves were hungrier on the day,'' he said.

``They won more challenges, were first to the ball more often and just kept coming at us. You have to credit a side which plays that way ... and I hope we meet them again in a couple of weeks.

``We will have to see off Sydney Olympic, and they are no easier to beat.''

The Sharks, without George Souris (injured) and Pedj Bojic (to Central Coast Mariners) grabbed an early lead in the 10th minute when striker Brad Boardman curled a left- footed cross back over his shoulder for Jim Bakis to bang home the goal.

Turnbull probably saved the 'Gong and presented them their ultimate victory, with two consecutive saves. First the goalkeeper saved a point-blank effort from Brendan Gan after good work by Boardman and Michael Katz. Then he stopped a Boardman curling shot with a full-length dive.

Gan was unlucky, too, a shot cannoning back into play from the crossbar.

Matt Bailey equalised in the 66th minute, as the game swung backwards and forwards.

Man-of-the-match Nick Stavroulakis, substitute Matthew Hall, and Katz all came close in extra time for the home side, before Ilija Prenzoski netted the decider to seal the Wolves a grand-final spot, hooking the ball over his shoulder.