Injury sidelines Snakes star

The Cairns Taipans have been dealt another massive injury blow, with star big man Sam Waardenburg set for another stint on the sidelines.

"Early reports are indicating high-grade Anterior Talo-Fibular Ligament (ATFL) and Calcaneofibular Ligament (CFL) injuries, with recovery expected to take a minimum of six weeks," the club said via its website.

The New Zealand international sustained the injury in the third quarter of the club's three-point win over Brisbane in Round 16.

The Taipans are hoping he will return for their final game of the season, on February 19.

Cairns next plays New Zealand at Perth's HoopsFest on Saturday from 7pm AEDT, live on ESPN.