Taipans Get Timely Lift as JackJumpers Eye Crucial Road Win
There’s a real sense of anticipation building around this Cairns Taipans versus Tasmania JackJumpers clash, and it feels like one of those games that could quietly shape the direction of both teams’ seasons. Saturday night at the Cairns Convention Centre isn’t just another fixture on the calendar. It’s about momentum, belief, and a few key pieces finally falling back into place.
The biggest storyline, without doubt, is the return of Sam Waardenburg. After missing the entire season so far with an ankle injury, the Taipans’ star big man is set to make his long-awaited debut. For Cairns, this has been something they’ve been counting down to for months. Waardenburg’s impact was sorely missed, and his absence was felt across the floor. Last season, career-best numbers were produced by him in scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defensive effort, and that all-round presence is exactly what this Taipans side has been lacking.
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While a bit of rust might naturally be expected after such a long layoff, his return is being viewed as a massive boost to an offence that has struggled, currently ranked at the bottom of the league. Many of Cairns’ offensive sets were originally designed with Waardenburg at the centre, working in a dynamic trio alongside Jack McVeigh and Andrew Andrews. With him back in uniform, those options are expected to be brought straight back, opening up space for shooters and cutters alike. It’s hoped that even a half-second of extra breathing room will make a big difference.
On the other side, Tasmania arrive knowing just how important this game is to their post-season push. After a rough mid-season stretch that saw six straight losses, things have started to turn around. Two wins from their last three games, including an impressive victory over South East Melbourne, have steadied the ship. Sitting just outside the top six on percentage, every result now carries extra weight.
The JackJumpers will take confidence from their solid road form and from Cairns’ struggles at home. This matchup also carries individual storylines, with Tasmania big man Will Magnay speaking openly about being challenged to lift his effort and aggression. His growth has been evident, and it’s been driven as much by personal mindset as by team trust.
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