Taipans to refocus after tough road stretch

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans are eager to turn the page on Saturday night's loss to South East Melbourne Phoenix, with Head Coach Adam Forde confident his group will benefit from a well-earned opportunity to reset ahead of their return home.

After opening the game with a blistering 35-point first quarter, the Taipans were unable to maintain the momentum as a relentless Phoenix outfit fought back to claim a 115-83 victory at John Cain Arena.

Despite the result, Forde was quick to put the performance into perspective after one of the most demanding stretches of the season.

ROAD WARRIORS REACH FINISH LINE

Having played six of their first eight games away from home, the Taipans entered the contest at the end of a physically taxing month-long period.

“We ran out of gas,” Forde said.

“I said to the guys in the change room afterwards, I didn't want them to beat themselves up too much on this.

“The last 32 days, I've given the guys four days off.

“We knew this was a tough stretch and there was a level of robustness that I wanted to build amongst the group.”

While disappointed with the defeat, Forde believes his side has achieved what it set out to do during a difficult opening schedule.

“We didn't want Jaylin Galloway to come in and be our saviour,” he said.

“We said we wanted to be 4-4. Anything above that would have been fantastic.

“I don't want to be too dismissive of the loss for what it is, but the boys were tired. They looked tired, they played tired, we ran out of gas.”

The Taipans now return to Cairns with a balanced 4-4 record and valuable experience gained from an early-season road-heavy fixture.

IMPROVEMENT AREAS REMAIN CLEAR

While fatigue played a role, Forde pointed to one recurring issue that continues to challenge the Taipans so far in their 2026-27 campaign.

“I can sit here and say it's frustrating again with the 27 offensive rebounds,” Forde said.

“That's been an Achilles' heel all season for us.”

South East Melbourne consistently won the battle for second-chance opportunities, creating momentum-shifting possessions throughout the contest.

“Credit to South East," Forde said. “They kept themselves in the game with the hustle and effort plays, the offensive rebounds, the loose balls. We had no answer for that.”

The challenge was further complicated by illness within the group, with Jack McVeigh and star big man Keanu Pinder battling through sickness.

“Jack and Keanu shouldn't have played today. They're very ill,” Forde revealed.

“We're isolating them from the group. But they know we need them.”

With the game slipping away late, the focus shifted towards protecting the group and preparing for the week ahead.

“Once that game sort of got out of hand, you just sort of sit and just don't get hurt.”

EYES NOW ON BREAKERS SHOWDOWN

The good news for the Taipans is that a lengthy road run is finally behind them.

After spending much of the opening two months away from home, the Taipans will return to the Cairns Convention Centre next Sunday for a rematch with the New Zealand Breakers.

It's a challenge Forde is already looking forward to.

“What's important is what I can do for these guys in the next four days,” he said.

“Then, again, we want to take care of business at home against New Zealand who gave us a touch-up last time we played them.

“So, we'll be hungry for that. They'll respond as we do, so I look forward to it.”

The homecoming presents an opportunity for the Taipans to recharge, regroup and reconnect with the Cairns faithful. Make sure to grab your tickets HERE.