Western Australia might be in the box seat after day one of their Pura Cup match against New South Wales but things would have gone even better for Tom Moody's team if not for two former Warriors.

The home side at the WACA Ground had New South Wales seven for 89 before Beau Casson and Matthew Nicholson launched a brave fightback.

The duo put on 93 for the eighth wicket to get their team back into the contest. At stumps NSW were nine for 238.

WA were not aided by the fact two of their bowlers were off the ground for prolonged periods.

Nicholson, who survived a strong appeal for a catch behind the wicket on 49, top-scored with 85 not out.

Magoffin (2-50) was the most consistent WA bowler, putting great pressure on the NSW batsmen with 15 maidens from 27 overs. At one stage he bowled nine overs for just one run.

He received great support from Brett Dorey (2-37) and Edmondson (3-70). David Bandy took the vital wicket of NSW skipper Simon Katich, but left the ground in the second session due to a stomach strain.

Dorey also spent time off the ground with a tight quad muscle.

The visitors were 5-52 at lunch with Test hopeful Phil Jaques out for 13.

The Blues were further in the mire when Daniel Smith was caught behind after chasing a wide ball from Ben Edmondson early in the second session.

Katich was joined at the wicket by Casson and the duo enjoyed a 36-run partnership. At one stage Katich struck six fours in 11 balls.

WA looked certain to run through the tail after he departed, but Casson and Nicholson took the attack to the Warriors bowlers and both made hard-fought fifties.

Edmondson finally ended the partnership, bowling Casson with the new ball.

Earlier in the day, Chris Rogers' hopes of securing a berth in the Australian Test squad received a boost with Jaques failing to make an impression in front of national selector Merv Hughes.

West Australian Rogers, who is involved in a two-way tussle with Jaques to replace Justin Langer at the top of the Australian order, would have been pleased to see the left-hander nick one to first slip.

Leg-spinner Stuart MacGill, another Test hopeful, failed a late fitness test and did not take his place in the NSW team.

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