Sam Waardenburg

Returning to Cairns for his fourth season in orange, the fan favourite is set to explode after an impressive off-season in Puerto Rico.

Joining the NBL after his time at the University of Miami, the New Zealander immediately impressed under Adam Forde with highs of 26 points and 12 rebounds across his first season earning him the inaugural NBL Next Generation award.

Averaging 11.3 points and 5.6 rebounds whilst shooting at 52.6%, the forward quickly established himself as a sharp shooter whilst also being able to attack the basket, with his stats growing to 14.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists over the 2024-25 season.

Launching directly into his off-season into the Carribean, Waardenburg continued his fine form despite facing NBA-calibre talent to average 17.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists whilst shooting at 55%, and led Mayaguez to the BSN Conference Finals.

Now returning to Australia, he will line up for his fourth season in the league where he is expected to continue to grow in Cairns.