Return nears for Taipans star

Cairns Taipans star Sam Waardenburg has taken the first steps to making his long awaited Hungry Jack's NBL26 season debut.

Waardenburg, who suffered a pre-season ankle injury which required surgery in September, removed his moon boot for the first time in six weeks on Monday.

The New Zealand international then hit the training court for shooting, as he works towards a December return.

“It’s a great feeling to be back at the courts," Waardenburg said during Tuesday's club media availability.

“I’ve been in a moon boot and a cast for six weeks now. My calf still needs work and my foot is just getting used to more weight bearing, but it’s great to be back and shooting the basketball for the first time.

"I'm feeling great, but I’m being told to take a step back. It’s that urge to just be back on the court. I love playing basketball, so I just want to be out there as soon as possible."

The 26-year-old big man, who averaged 14.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists last season, admits it's been tough to sit on the sidelines and watch his team open the campaign with a 2-7 record.

“I love playing basketball and being out there with the team, so it’s been tough," Waardenburg said.

“But these guys are coming in and working hard every single day, just stacking days.

“It’s a great group of guys. They bond well and there’s no animosity in the locker room.

“I know the results might not look the best right now, it’s not what we aimed for, but these guys are figuring it out. I think soon we’ll take a step in the right direction and see a breakthrough soon.”

The Taipans travel to Brisbane on Thursday night to face the Bullets, with the Indigenous Round clash tipping off at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.

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