Surgery to sideline Taipans star

The Cairns Taipans are set to be without one of their biggest stars for the early part of the season, following surgery on Monday.

Big man Sam Waardenburg, who was entering his fourth season with the Taipans, underwent surgery on his ankle this week - just days out from their Hungry Jack's NBL26 Season tips off against South East Melbourne on Saturday.

“It seemed like the smallest of things that he’s now gone for surgery for [on Monday],” Cairns coach Adam Forde told CODE Sports.

“We’ll find out what his return to play timeline is like.

“The good thing is we’ve got a lot of depth, so we can cover for him while he’s out.”

Waardenburg was the Taipans' MVP in NBL25, averaging 14.5 points and 6.4 rebounds a game. He won the League's Next Generation Award in 2023.

The Taipans' clash with the Phoenix tips off at 5.30pm AEST at John Cain Arena, live on ESPN.