NSW paceman Trent Copeland has put the Blues in control on the opening day of their final-round Sheffield Shield match against Queensland in Wollongong.
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Queensland, who are looking to shore up hosting rights for next week's final, are 6-176 at tea.
Copeland celebrated his 31st birthday with an inspired five-wicket haul, returning 5-60 from 23 overs after bowling unchanged well into the second session.
Only opener Joe Burns, in his first Shield match of the calendar year, has managed to defy the Blues' bowlers at North Dalton Park.
The former Test batsman is unbeaten on 87 in a watchful 151-ball knock.
Queensland fast bowler Michael Neser has added a handy 24 not out during a 59-run stand, after the Bulls had been floundering on Wednesday at 6-117.
Harry Conway removed Charlie Hemphrey (13) immediately after lunch, while Copeland ripped the heart out of the Queensland top order with three wickets in four balls.
Defeat for Queensland, who are already in the Shield final, would open the door slightly for Tasmania or Victoria to snare hosting rights for the decider.
Australian Associated Press