Taipans to Make Sure McCall Doesn’t Burn Out in Return

Cairns Taipans star guard Tahjere McCall is back this weekend after recovering from a hip injury, but coach Adam Forde will be keeping a watchful eye on his minutes.

McCall sustained a hip injury in round two of the season and hasn’t played since. The energetic leader will return on the road against the Bullets on Saturday night and the Taipans can’t wait to have him back.

“Everyone is really excited that he’s back,” Forde said.

“The great thing with Tahjere is that it was all to do with the injury and not to do with his motor or fitness, he’s the type of guy that if he goes past a gym he’ll get a workout in.

“Just try to make sure that we don’t burn him out too early too soon, bring him into the game and let him find his way.”

McCall was Cairns’ top scorer last season, averaging 16.1 points, 6 assists and 5.4 rebounds.

Forward DJ Hogg expressed his excitement to have his teammate back, explaining what he brings to the court.

“It’s very exciting…he brings a lot of energy and effort, the perfect team player. He’s going to give 110% every game, every second he’s on the floor, he’s great for us,” Hogg said.

The Taipans are third on the ladder sitting at 5-3, but Forde has warned the league to watch out for the snake bites coming their way, as the club hasn’t hit its full potential just yet.

“We haven’t even scratched the surface yet,” Forde said.

“Once these guys find their role within the group and feel 100 per cent comfortable with it and with each other, there’s nobody in the league who can stop us.”

Cairns travels to Brisbane on Saturday night to take on the Bullets, with the game live on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel from 8pm AEDT.