Community focus key for Bruce

As he makes his return to Cairns, Shaun Bruce is already excited to get back to where he earned his first NBL contract after signing with the Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans on a two-year deal.

“I went into free agency and spoke to some different teams, and in the end, I’d obviously played for Fordey before and we got in touch with one another, and it just seemed like the right fit,” Bruce said.

Working under Adam Forde between 2019-2021 in Sydney, Bruce spent 69 games competing for the Western Australian, including a Grand Final run in 2020.

Combining a coach he knows well with the club where he launched his 378-game career, it formed the perfect situation for the guard to move into.

First making his way to Cairns in 2012 to begin his NBL career, the eventual three-time NBL champion’s first taste of the post-season came in his third campaign, when the Taipans progressed to the Grand Final in 2015.

After helping build a roster who finished sixth place in 2014 into a championship contender with a 75%-win rate, it’s something that he is eager to repeat.

“Obviously I’ve been there before, and I think just the challenge of going to a team that’s only won nine games last year, and you see those Cairns teams every three or four years make a run and make a push, and I’d love to be a part of one of those and I think it’d be really special.

“Coming from a successful program with the Kings and joining a team that’s kind of struggled with consistency over the last few years, it’s something that I will look to bring and hopefully we can have an impact and get Cairns back to being that team that’s the underdog and gritty, and a team that’s fighting every night.”

Currently sitting as one of two new recruits for Cairns’ 2026-27 roster, the other new signing is already giving Bruce a reason to be worried.

“It scares me a bit that I’m double his age, but I’m excited to meet Luke and just build a relationship with him. He’s got such an exciting future and to be part of his journey will be really special.”

After making his own way to Cairns at the age of 21, Bruce is perfectly poised to help develop the 17-year-old with the duo giving Forde strong guard depth as he builds his roster.

Also reuniting with Jack McVeigh after the pair played together for Adelaide in 2018-19, the roster is already exciting the 35-year-old despite the limited signings.

“I think we have super exciting guys with a lot to look forward to, and guys with a chip on their shoulder. It’s a good mix and it’ll be fun to be a part of.

“We’ve obviously got a lot more spots to fill, but what we’re striving to be is one of those teams that’s competitive every night and something the community can get behind.

“I have been part of a team up there quite a while ago now that made a run to the Grand Final series, and there’s nothing better than being up there in a small community, being the underdogs, and getting after it.”

But before he makes his long-awaited return to the Far North, Bruce has a simple message to Cairns on what to expect next season.

“We want to be one of those teams that you can be proud of, and like I mentioned one of those gritty Cairns teams that are the underdogs, but who compete every night, and that’s who we’ll be striving to be every night for you guys.”

As Shaun Bruce prepares to return to Cairns, help us welcome him back by submitting any photos that you took when he was first a Taipan – submit your photos HERE.