Maher's cyclone tribute

Jimmy Maher insists his team will help out victims regardless of the result © Getty Images

Queensland captain Jimmy Maher dedicated his first Pura Cup final century to the victims of Cyclone Larry.

The Innisfail-born batsman, whose parents still live in Cairns close to the area of north Queensland affected, kept his thoughts with those suffering in the cyclone’s aftermath despite building his biggest score of the season on day two of the five-day final at the Gabba.

Maher’s classy 159 not out - one of the greatest knocks of his 12-year first class career - formed the bedrock of the Bulls’ reply.

They reached 301 for one by the close after Victoria had been dismissed for 344.

Maher could not have scripted the day any better after Victoria were reduced from 238 for two thanks to sterling efforts with the ball from Pura Cup player of the year Andy Bichel and Mitchell Johnson.

Despite his obvious delight at reaching his 23rd first class century, Maher was conscious of the devastation in his home town.

“The whole team is aware of what’s happened up there,” Maher said. “As I said before the game, it’s a Pura Cup final but some people haven’t got roofs on their houses.

“It’s important that we do whatever we can do to put smiles on those people’s faces.

“We’re dedicating our whole week to them and it won’t just finish there.

“Whether we win, lose or draw is irrelevant. We’re going to try and do our best to go up and help out in north Queensland, and in Innisfail in particular.”

Maher also threw down the gauntlet to the Victorian attack, who toiled all day for little reward.

“There won’t be a declaration,” Maher said. “They have to bowl us out. I’m not even thinking about declaring.”