NSW have cast aside their last-match horror show with a promising start to the Sheffield Shield game against Queensland in Wollongong.
At lunch on day one of the vital clash at North Dalton Park, the Blues were 0-102 with Daniel Hughes (61) and Matthew Gilkes (41) the unbeaten batsmen.
Dismissed by Tasmania in their first innings for a historical NSW low of 32 and ultimately humbled by 298 runs in their last Shield start, the Blues had plenty to prove.
Young batsman Jack Edwards and debutant Lachlan Hearne were called into a NSW side without Pat Cummins, Steve Smith and Moises Henriques (all IPL), while Josh Hazlewood (rested), Sean Abbott (injured) and Peter Nevill (personal leave) were also unavailable.
After the Bulls won the toss and elected to bowl, Hughes and Gilkes proved up to the task with an unbroken century stand as the sides battle it out to secure a spot in the Shield final.
A win by either side in this final-round fixture will put them through to the decider with hosting rights.
A draw opens the door for WA, who are playing Tasmania starting later on Saturday, to overtake both sides with a win while also claiming home ground advantage.
The Blues would likely miss out completely in that scenario.