Taipans bite back: Cairns' transformation has rivals on alert

The Cairns Taipans have endured a lean stretch in recent seasons, but a determined off-season transformation, built on both youth and experience, has them gaining serious respect around the League.

After finishing 8th, 10th and 9th over the past three seasons, Taipans fans are crying out for something to cheer about. Could this finally be the year?

According to rival coach Josh King, Cairns' new-look roster is one that demands respect.

"I know the [new import] guard [Jaylon] Brown they signed from his time in Europe. He's a very good player," King told The Cairns Post.

"Malique [Lewis] is there, who's a year older, a year stronger and [Jack] McVeigh might be the most dynamic offensive player in the league, along with adding a guy like [Keanu] Pinder.

"And I'm not even talking about Galloway [Jaylin and Kyrin] and [Shaun] Bruce and guys like that.

"I think Cairns is going to be a team that's going to be a hard out this year."

Adam Forde is back at the helm of a side he steered to a third-placed finish in NBL23.

With young guns like Reyne Smith and Luke Paul [currently injured] off the bench, alongside the experience of Sunday Dech and Jonah Bolden, the Taipans boast plenty of depth.

Meanwhile, the addition of the younger Galloway brother, Jaylin, adds serious intrigue given his huge potential upside.

Could the Hungry Jack's NBL27 season finally be the year the Taipans find their bite?

Read the full story here >> Revamped Cairns Taipans poised for NBL charge with star new recruits