Steve Waugh's killer Test instincts helped propel NSW back to the top of Australian cricket with a thumping win over Queensland in the Pura Cup final at the Gabba.

The 246-run victory inside three days wrenched the interstate title out of Queensland for the first time in four years and completed the first-class and one-day championship double for the Blues.

It was a sweet win for Waugh's team, which recovered from two consecutive wooden spoons to leave Queensland with only its second home defeat during its golden five-year run.

But the Blues couldn't have done it without the presence of the Waugh twins, Stuart MacGill and Michael Slater.

They have been proven performers in Australia's brilliant Test cricket reign and the same methods were on show at the Gabba as the Blues defied the worst of the conditions to belt Queensland.

Waugh, with the same blue cap he wore in NSW's Sheffield Shield final victory over Queensland at the SCG in 1984-85, harnessed excellent performances from the likes of MacGill (5-16 and 3-43) and player-of-the-match Simon Katich (82, 36 and 3-43).

"You try to pass on how the Australian team plays - it's been successful so why not try it at the state level," the Test captain said.

"When you've got talented players why not go out there, back yourself, play aggressive cricket.

"The key is holding your catches. If you do, you're going to win most matches."

Queensland's slim hopes of recovering from its dreadful first innings total of 84 seemed to evaporate when the Bulls spilled three catches within seven balls on Sunday morning.

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