Queensland need to score less than 200 runs with nine wickets in hand to secure an important Sheffield Shield win and condemn traditional heavyweights New South Wales to their longest-ever winless run.
Queensland ended day three at the Gabba at 1-35, and require another 198 runs on the final day for a victory that would secure them a share of second place with two rounds remaining.
The home side survived 18 challenging overs late on Thursday for the loss of only Bryce Street who was caught behind off Sean Abbott for six.
Opener Joe Burns (12no) and Aryan Jair (17no) will resume at the crease for Queensland in the morning.
The day commenced with Queensland adding 22 runs after resuming at their overnight 8-282, eventually conceding a 16 run deficit on the first innings.
Captain Jimmy Peirson failed to add to his overnight score and was dismissed in the second over of the day for 115.
Abbott claimed both wickets to end with 5-76.
There were numerous starts among NSW's top-order with contributions from Blake Nikitaras (39), Kurtis Patterson (28) and Moises Henriques (40) but a steady flow of wickets and a middle-order collapse left the visitors on the brink at 8-158.
But rookie paceman Ben Dwarshuis played a potentially crucial counter-attacking innings, hitting 48 not out at better than a run-a-ball when batting at No.10.
Queensland opening bowler Mark Steketee picked up 3-36, while debutant spinner Jack Sinfield impressed with 3-46.
Bottom-placed NSW are yet to record a win in seven rounds with their winless streak stretching into last season.
