Queensland 243 and 3 for 315 (Labuschagne 134, Hemphrey 95*, Copeland 3-51) lead New South Wales 402 (Maddinson 87, Abbott 79, Neser 3-45) by 156 runs

Marnus Labuschagne and Charlie Hemphrey have combined to steer Queensland out of trouble on day three of the Sheffield Shield match in Wollongong.

The day started poorly for the Bulls with in form opener Matt Renshaw subbed out of the game under the concussion rule following a head knock during warm-ups. He was substituted as a precaution despite the blow not being too severe.

Renshaw's replacement, Lachlan Pfeffer, and Joe Burns fell early to Trent Copeland to leave the Bulls 2 for 53 in their second innings, needing a further 102 runs to make New South Wales bat again.

Labuschagne and Hemphrey then combined for a 246-run partnership that steered the Bulls to safety. Labuschagne posted his fourth first-class century and his highest score of 134 before he became Copeland's third victim in the 81st over.

Hemphrey moved to 95 not out at stumps to give the Bulls a lead of 156 runs with seven wickets in hand heading into the final day.

Earlier, Michael Neser and Mark Steketee ensure the Blues lead did not blow out beyond 200. They took the last three wickets of the Blues first innings at a cost of just 20 runs. Sean Abbott failed to add to his overnight score of 79 while Peter Nevill managed just five before he was bowled by Steketee for 57.