Queensland skipper James Hopes stands between Western Australia and an expected Sheffield Shield victory on the final day at the Gabba.

Requiring a record 440 for victory, the Bulls are 6-270 at tea with Hopes 47 not out and Matthew Gale unbeaten on 14.

Queensland’s chances for an unlikely victory dissolved after lunch when Nathan Coulter-Nile had opener Greg Moller caught by Mike Hussey at slip for 120 with the second new ball.

Moller had kept the defending champions in the game with his maiden first-class century and handy half-century partnerships with Chris Hartley (38) and Hopes.

Coulter-Nile (4-68) has been the star for the Warriors, taking three of the four wickets to fall since the home side resumed at 2-88.

The lanky paceman dismissed Peter Forrest (11) and Nathan Reardon (6) with short balls in the opening half-hour of play.

Spinner Ashton Agar (2-72) took the other wicket, having Hartley caught at mid-on in the third over after lunch.

The Bulls lead the competition on 22 points but last-placed Western Australia will move to 14 and resuscitate their season with an outright victory.