Only a miracle will save Western Australia after the Warriors were reduced to a ''train wreck'' at 4-15 in reply to the Blues' first innings of 447 after the second day on Saturday.

Blues all-rounder Moises Henriques crafted a magnificent knock of 140 before lanky fast bowler Josh Hazlewood claimed three wickets, including two off the first two balls of the WA innings, and a run-out to leave NSW on the brink of its first Shield title since 2007-08.

Hazlewood's heroics at the end of the day when he was on a hat-trick should not diminish the performance of Henriques, who played superbly on his way to his third first-class century.

It was his first Shield game since November after he spent the past seven weeks with the Australian Test team in South Africa, staying in touch with net sessions facing fringe bowlers Jackson Bird and James Pattinson.

"It hasn't quite sunk in yet, still caught up in the emotion of trying to win this game and what we need to do,'' Henriques said.

"We knew we wanted the intent of scoring runs rather than just try to bat time.

"It's one of the best centuries I've made – in a Shield final as well it's a great feeling – but it doesn't really mean anything if we don't come out tomorrow and tick the boxes we need to tick.''

After watching the Blues bat for more than 168 overs and almost 11 hours, the Canberra crowd of 3232 was brought to life as Hazlewood livened up the party.

He knocked over Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris for golden ducks with the first two balls, Adam Voges in his second over and threw down the stumps to leave Marcus North short of his ground.

"I don't think anyone else needed to be on the field. He took three wickets then the direct hit run-out; he was on fire,'' Henriques said.

"He had a chance to steam in and not worry about being on the field for too long, and he did that brilliantly.''

Hazlewood used the swing with the new ball to perfection and could not believe his luck when his throw to get rid of North was on target.

"We were only out there for 10 minutes so I was still pretty fresh,'' Hazlewood said.

"Probably wouldn't have got that run-out if it was tomorrow or the next day.

"We've got to attack early and knock them over because once the batter gets in, it's quite hard to get them out.''

WA coach Justin Langer did his best to remain positive with Test batsman Shaun Marsh and younger brother Mitch at the crease.

However, it was impossible to disguise his disappointment after the Warriors were all but wiped out of the contest.

"It was a pretty painful day, probably couldn't have had a worse day,'' Langer said.

"How do you explain the last half an hour? It was a bit of a train wreck.

"There's still hope. I've been around long enough to know funny things can happen in five-day cricket, and it's a very flat wicket.''

Henriques played with plenty of patience after helping rescue NSW from 6-189 on the opening day on Friday.

He received great support from the Blues' tailenders on a slow and dry pitch.

Stephen O'Keefe (41), Trent Copeland (35) and Nathan Lyon (36 not out) all made substantial contributions to push the Warriors out of the contest.