Destructive Queensland duo Jimmy Maher and Martin Love put the Bulls on the path towards Pura Cup glory with a dominant batting display against Victoria at the Gabba.

Maher and Love all but destroyed any hopes the Bushrangers had of claiming this year's title as they piled on a match-defining 297-run second wicket partnership on a dry, lifeless wicket.

The near-flawless stand saw the Bulls reach a monstrous stumps total of 3-584 with two days left to play.

Queensland, runners-up in the past three finals, needs only to draw the match to claim a sixth domestic four-day crown after ending the season in first place.

Maher's emphatic 223 was the highest first class score of his career while Love's only false stroke of his innings brought him undone on 169.

Shane Watson (73no) and Clinton Perren (24no) remained unbeaten at stumps.

After starting the day at 1-301, Maher and Love breezed through the opening session with both players recording milestones in successive balls during the final over before lunch.

A pumped-up Maher jumped in the air and screamed "come on" twice after bringing up his double ton a ball after Love, who had only moments before called for a runner after straining his hamstring, secured his century.

The blitz continued after lunch before Maher, who has dedicated the game to the victims of Cyclone Larry in far north Queensland, edged quick Mick Lewis to wicketkeeper Nathan Pilon while slashing outside off stump.

Maher's total eclipsed his previous highest first class score that came in 2001 when he smashed 217 while playing for English county side Glamorgan.

Part-time Victorian bowler Nick Jewell (1-22) ended Love's innings with the score at 3-531 when he got an edge that fell into Pilon's gloves.

Lewis (1-125), Dirk Nannes (0-116) and Shane Harwood (0-115) all suffered under the onslaught.

Lewis and Nannes didn't bowl during the final session while Harwood was given only five overs after the lunch break.

If Queensland does need to bowl again in the match, it may be without speedster Ashley Noffke, who has succumbed to a mystery virus.

Bulls officials confirmed Noffke was bed-ridden and cast doubt over his involvement in the remainder of the final.

Queensland's highest first class team total of 687 - set against New South Wales in 1930-31 - is in serious danger of being broken after Maher on Saturday declared the Bushrangers needed to bowl the hosts out to bat again.

The Bulls have so far batted for 168 overs in more than five sessions.

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