2025-26 Taipans Club Award Winners

As the 2025-26 campaign comes to a close, the Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans have honoured those who defined the year on and off the court and across the local community. 

The season awards acknowledge and recognise performance as well as professionalism across the NBL season.

MVP - Jack McVeigh

The Most Valuable Player award is an accolade given to the best-performing player for the Taipans, whose exceptional skills and leadership have made a crucial impact to the team. 

A superstar of the competition, McVeigh delivered a magnificent first season in the tropics.

The 2024 Finals MVP is a rare scoring profile in the NBL. He is a forward with deep range who punishes close-outs, creates offence late in the clock and can do damage in the midrange.

McVeigh was a dominant force for the Taipans, averaging 21.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists while shooting 49.9 per cent from the field, 36.5 per cent from three and 87.5 per cent from the free throw line. 

He is one of only two players in the league to produce multiple 40-plus point nights and he scored 20-plus points 16 times, underlining his consistency.

Members’ Choice MVP - Jack McVeigh

Voted by the loyal fans of the Cairns Taipans, this award recognises the remarkable performances and consistency of an individual across the season. 

A fan favourite from the moment he pulled on the orange jersey, Jack McVeigh electrified the Orange Army throughout his return to the NBL after a year in the NBA system with the Houston Rockets and G League affiliate Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

The Australian Boomers representative delivered a career-high 47 points in a stirring Round 13 win over the New Zealand Breakers, the second-highest individual score of the season, dragging the Taipans home in a performance that will live long in club memory.

Players’ Player Award - Andrew Andrews

Voted by the Taipans’ players, this accolade was awarded to an individual for their consistency and exceptional performances throughout the season.

After playing in several of the world’s premier basketball leagues, Andrew Andrews brought his craft to the NBL and delivered a remarkable debut campaign in Cairns.

The Portland playmaker authored one of the strongest assist seasons in Taipans history, steering the offence with poise.

He recorded six or more assists in 24 of his 31 appearances and reached double-digit assists seven times, including back-to-back 13-assist games in Round 16. When scoring was required, he delivered. He punished the JackJumpers for 27 points in the Round 7 win and added another 27 in the Round 11 victory over the Hawks.

Defensive Player of the Year - Kyrin Galloway

Awarded to an individual for his outstanding contributions on the defensive side of the court. 

Kyrin Galloway produced a career-best season and became the multi-positional defender the Taipans needed.

Capable of switching onto perimeter threats and holding his ground inside, the shot blocking forward provided rim protection and physicality when called upon. 

With centre Sam Waardenburg sidelined for much of the season, Galloway stepped up to fill the void, often battling undersized against the league’s premier big men.

The 26-year-old averaged 7.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 0.9 blocks.

Coaches’ Award - Lachlan Barker

‍Awarded to an individual selected by the coaching staff for their endeavour and selfless contribution to the team. 

After joining the Taipans as an injury replacement early in the season, Lachlan Barker consistently delivered in key moments while embracing an unselfish role.

A secondary playmaker and tough perimeter defender, the gritty guard made five starts and produced a career-high 18 points and three assists in a standout Round 19 performance against the Sydney Kings.

Away from the NBL, Barker also invested back into the game, coaching and developing two junior teams in Cairns at the grassroots level.

Commitment to the Community - Jed Richardson

Awarded to a player who goes above and beyond for the local community. 

A deserving winner for his dedication to the next generation, Jed Richardson has spent countless hours coaching and developing juniors, sharing his knowledge and making a genuine impact on the Cairns community beyond the stat line.

In addition to Taipans’ GameTime sessions, Richardson coached two under-19 teams, helping strengthen pathways at the grassroots level.

Club Person of the Year - John Richardson‍

This award acknowledges an individual outside of the employment of the club, who goes above and beyond for the Taipans with their exceptional contributions. 

A pillar of the Taipans’ off-court success, John Richardson has been a long-time supporter of the club through Kenfrost Homes and Residential Estates.

Kenfrost first partnered with the Taipans in 2014 and the relationship has continued to grow year on year, evolving from major sponsor to platinum partner, before stepping up as naming rights sponsor at the start of last season.

Richardson’s ongoing backing has helped strengthen a community owned club that represents the region on the national stage, supporting the Taipans’ presence in Far North Queensland and the inspiration the team provides to the next generation.