Victoria faces a long, drawn out end to its Pura Cup cricket campaign as Queensland's batsmen, a dream batting wicket and forecast showers at the MCG look like ending the Bushrangers' hopes of gaining outright points.

Needing six points to keep alive their aspirations of defending their title, the Bushrangers were 2-167 at stumps on day two after Jason Arnberger clubbed an unbeaten 95 in an 82-run stand with Graeme Rummans (26 not out).

There is still a long way to go, as Victoria trails by 249 runs after Queensland declared at 6-416 after lunch.

Even if the rain stays away over the next two days, the Bushrangers must complete the tough trifecta of scoring quick runs early on Saturday, bowling Queensland out cheaply on a belter and then pulling off a last-day run-chase.

Arnberger, who should convert his third half-century in eight days into a second ton this season, said Victoria would consider declaring behind and conceding two first innings points to try for six.

Victoria (fourth, on 24 points) would then have to beat the Bulls (currently second, on 34) and hope last round results go its way to win through on quotient.

"We can't wait for them to set us 400 off 40 overs, we've got to go out there and be 150 or 200 behind and then bowl them out for 150," Arnberger said.

"To get 400 runs is going to take us most of the day ... since they batted so well and we couldn't get them out, it's in our hands.

"We have to get the six points, so it's in our hands to make the running."

Arnberger and Matthew Elliott (35) put on a quickfire 69 before tea after Queensland's declaration surprised, as the Bulls had not scored overly freely nor racked up a massive total.

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