Cairns Taipans Target NBL Playoffs With Consistency Under Adam Forde

The Cairns Taipans enter the new National Basketball League season with a clear target of returning to the postseason after a campaign marked by inconsistency. Coached by Adam Forde, the team will again play its home matches at the Cairns Convention Centre in front of the Orange Army supporters.

Roster Built Around Imports and Locals

Key additions and returning players shape the side. The import trio of Admiral Schofield, Marcus Lee and Andrew Andrews joins fan favourite Sam Waardenburg and Australian Boomer Jack McVeigh. This combination gives the Taipans a balance of experience and athleticism that Forde has worked to integrate during preparations.

Strong Home Record Against Brisbane Bullets

The Taipans maintain a notable historical edge in their Queensland rivalry with the Brisbane Bullets. They have won their last five home games against the Bullets at the Cairns Convention Centre. That record underscores the advantage the Orange Army provides when the two sides meet.

Community Ties Across the Region

Basketball sits within a broader local sports landscape. The Cairns region supports more than 400 sport and recreational clubs offering competitive leagues in at least 30 sports, including basketball. The Taipans remain the only not-for-profit club in the National Basketball League, a status that aligns with community-focused organisations such as Brothers Leagues Club Cairns, which has backed nearly 300 local sports development projects.

Support for the Taipans extends beyond match nights at the Cairns Convention Centre. Junior and senior clubs across netball, rugby league, AFL and soccer share facilities and pathways that feed interest in the professional side. The not-for-profit model encourages ongoing involvement from residents who follow the team through its home stands and community programs.

Evidence of sustained local engagement appears in the continued operation of leagues such as the Cairns Baseball League with its six clubs and the seven-club Cairns District Rugby League competition. These structures show how basketball fits into an active regional sporting culture that values participation at every level.

Next Steps for Supporters

Fans can follow the Taipans schedule through official NBL channels and attend home games at the Cairns Convention Centre to back the Orange Army. The emphasis remains on building consistency across the season to secure a postseason berth.