Queensland face a colossal task after finishing a second gruelling day in Sydney's extreme heat, still 518 runs in arrears of NSW in their Sheffield Shield clash at the SCG.
After Blues captain Moises Henriques hit a career-best 265, the Bulls ended Saturday's second day at 0-85 after spending five sessions in the field as NSW amassed 6(dec)-603.
The Blues' innings was highlighted by a mammoth 391-run fifth-wicket partnership between Henriques and wicketkeeper Peter Nevill.
Resuming on 102, Henriques upped the ante with five sixes before being caught off the bowling of part-time spinner Marnus Labuschagne to end a seven-hour, 327-ball knock.
It was the tenth highest score by a NSW batsman in Shield history.
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At the other end, Nevill was the perfect foil, scoring a confident 143 not out for his second successive century.
In reply, Queensland openers Peter Forrest and Joe Burns batted solidly to give their side a platform to build on.
There was a scare for NSW with opener Daniel Hughes suffering a blow on the helmet while fielding, and he walked from the field to be assessed for a possible mild concussion.
Second spot on the Shield ladder beckons for the winner of the match, with the two sides in hot pursuit of frontrunners Victoria and South Australia who are playing each other in Adelaide.
