A six-wicket haul from Steve Magoffin has given Queensland hope of taking first-innings points in a severely rain-affected match against New South Wales in Sydney. After day two was washed out, day three was also cut short by wet weather but enough play was possible for the Blues to be bowled out for 269 after resuming at 4 for 207.

At stumps, Queensland were 0 for 5, with Wade Townsend on 5 and the debutant Alex Kemp yet to score, and with the Bulls two points off the top of the Sheffield Shield table in their second-last match of the campaign, they will be hoping for clearer skies on the final day. But there should be plenty of juice in the pitch after such a lot rain, which will give New South Wales hope.

Their batsmen struggled on the third day as Magoffin collected 6 for 44 and nearly claimed a hat-trick after having Peter Nevill caught down leg side and Scott Coyte bowled by a slower ball from consecutive deliveries. Mitchell Starc just managed to survive the hat-trick ball but he became Magoffin's sixth victim in his next over.

Earlier in the day, Brad Haddin's struggle for runs continued as he was caught behind off Magoffin for 16, having added six runs to his overnight score. Steven Smith was also caught behind off Magoffin for 53.