Stuart MacGill's spin almost cancelled out Ashley Noffke's pace as NSW and Queensland found contrasting ways to humiliate each other on the opening day of their Pura Cup match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

On a day in which 20 wickets fell for less than 300 runs, Queensland led by 88 after dismissing NSW for 102 only to be bowled out for 190 in turn, with MacGill taking 5-52.

While NSW was well behind, Steve Waugh's men were not totally out of a contest which should end in a positive result one way or the other.

NSW, searching for a place in the Cup final against the Bulls starting next week in Brisbane, looked like they'd lost the map this morning as Noffke scythed through the world-class line-up.

Removing Michael Slater, Steve Waugh and Michael Clarke for ducks inside the first half-hour with a series of deliveries which swung and cut off the seam, Noffke finished with 6-24.

It was his best bowling for Queensland but not quite as good as hauls of seven and eight wickets for Middlesex in English county cricket.

He expected things to be tougher tomorrow when NSW bats to save its season.

"Tomorrow's probably going to the most important day of the year for them," Noffke said.

"Their future's going to be determined by how they play tomorrow."

Having ripped through NSW so easily, Noffke wasn't keen to nominate NSW as his preferred opponent for the final.

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