McVeigh turns Snake catcher in Cairns’ off-season search

Heading into the NBL’s 2026-27 off-season, the Cairns have just four players under contract, meaning they have the ability to go in numerous directions with their roster.

Thankfully for them, one of those four is star forward and 2024 Olympian Jack McVeigh, who claimed All-NBL Second Team honours during his first season in Cairns.

The other three players with deals, Reyne Smith, Mawot Mag and Lloyd McVeigh, all have club options.

During the latest episode of The Marketplace, presented by Paywise, ESPN’s Olgun Uluc explained how important it was to look to McVeigh, while encouraging the Snakes to activate the option on an emerging youngster.

“That mutual option [on Jack McVeigh’s deal] was unbelievably important to pick up,” Uluc said.

“They wanted McVeigh back, and he clearly wanted to return, so now they can build around him.

“The next one is also locking in Reyne Smith. He's got a team option, and that also feels like a no-brainer.”

With a blank slate to work with, the next few months loom pivotal for the Snakes’ chances of breaking through for a maiden NBL title next season.

1990 NBL MVP Derek Rucker says the Taipans must also work to lock in their "most important player".

“They’ve got to sign Waardenburg,” Rucker said.

“McVeigh was a great signing, but Waardenburg is the most important player in that franchise. He takes you to winning situations.

“We saw how they changed when he was in the lineup this season. They were a solid basketball team. I think you must make him a priority over everything else.

“Now, if you've got McVeigh, you sign Smith, you get Waardenburg, then the selection of the import, the pressure eases a little bit.

“Waardenburg is a big piece, and they've got to get him back.”

But Uluc had his doubts that the Tall Black would return for a fifth season in Far North Queensland.

“I'd be surprised if Waardenburg returns to the Cairns Taipans,” Uluc said.

That sentiment was echoed by Pete Hooley, who said, “I’d love to see him there, but I don’t think he’ll end up back there. It feels like he’s ready for a new challenge”.

Instead, Hooley thought the Taipans might bring back another former big man, who they had a ‘big offer on the table for last season’.

“Keanu Pinder was recently in the Australian 3x3 squad, coached by Adam Forde, and we know they have a good relationship,” Hooley said.

“He will be expensive, especially after playing in Japan last season, but this is a chance to prove it to the fans that they’re ready to go there and compete.”

Landing Pinder, alongside McVeigh, would give the Taipans a “dynamic as hell frontcourt, that would be the perfect starting point for a franchise”.

Uluc also revealed that McVeigh is actively looking to recruit players to Cairns for next season, with NBL24 championship-winning teammate Milton Doyle, currently at Melbourne United, among his targets.

The other name the panel discussed was Andrew Andrews, with Rucker and Uluc split on what the Taipans should do with their import point guard.

“One that interests me is Andrew Andrews because he's a guy who generated a lot of emotion in the NBL fans,” Rucker said.

“He was brilliant at times, and I think there's something in there with him. I'm pretty conservative when it comes to recruiting players, especially at the point guard spot, but if a guy can give me a 7.5/10 each night, I’d be looking at bringing him back.

“Imports are generally better the second year around.”

>> Championship Series schedule, tickets & how to watch

While appreciating that Andrews was a “good organiser”, Uluc encouraged Cairns to take their time and “go and get a stud at the point guard spot”.

“My feeling is that [getting a stud] is their preference at this point, someone who can take pressure off Jack McVeigh,” he said.

“There’s this thing in the NBL where we love guys to return, but remember how exciting it was when Kendric Davis or Parker Jackson-Cartwright first came to the league.

“There are really high-level point guards around the world that could come into this league and do wonders. Guys who could put up 20 [points] and 8 [assists].

“If you can find that guy who is ready to take his game to the next level and really contribute, that’s the way to go.”

‍Watch every Championship Series game live on ESPN. Friday night’s game will also be on 10 Drama in Adelaide and Sydney.