In the same match which saw the Bulls claim their ninth shield success with a dominant innings and 33 runs victory, Copeland climbed into equal third on the list of the Blues' all-time wicket-takers in the state competition.

When he bowled Bulls' number five Matt Renshaw with the fifth ball of his 22^nd over - a full delivery with good seam position which took an inside edge onto the stumps - he moved his overall tally of shield wickets to 328.

It drew him level with Stuart MacGill and now only Greg Matthews (363) and Geoff Lawson (367) sit above him on the list of the Blues' most successful bowlers.

Not bad for the former Rugby Union Cricket Club talent who first headed to Sydney as a wicket-keeper batsman and let others do the job with the ball.

"I'm amazed where that sits. I don't think I'll be able to fully appreciate it until I retire," Copeland told cricket.com.au

"I got a message from Stuey [MacGill] not long ago about that exact fact. Geoff Lawson and Mo Matthews are the two guys in front of that - I'm very lucky that those guys are all good mates and we're part of the same baggy blue club that I'm lucky to be part of.

"To be mentioned in the same breath as those guys is a bit ridiculous ... I never thought I'd get here."

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On the opening day of the shield final at Brisbane's Alan Border Field, NSW batted first but was all out for 143. Copeland was unbeaten on 16, his knock including a pair of boundaries.

Queensland made 389 in reply, led by a superb 192 from Marnus Labuschagne. When he finally fell after nine-and-a-half hours at the crease, it was Copeland who took the catch.

It was one of three catches Copeland took and he was typically solid with the ball with 1-73 off 26 overs, of which eight were maidens.

But the hosts were well in control and had NSW all out for 213 in their second innings on Sunday to seal a commanding win.

Still, Copeland will be back next season in search of more success - and wickets - with his beloved Blues.

He finished this season ninth on the overall leading shield wicket-takers with 20 scalps from eight appearances. His best match figures were 7-61, his average 27.70 and economy rate 2.13.

"At the moment, my body is as good as it's ever been, and I think genuinely the ball and the plans I've worked towards are being executed as well as I've ever done," he said.

"I don't want to put a time frame on it [retirement] ... Once I'm comfortable and ready for those guys to take over and that I'm content with what I've produced, then I'll be ready to hang them up."

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