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The Cairns Taipans have been dealt another blow, with further positive COVID-19 test results striking the team. 

This Saturday’s clash against Melbourne United, due to play at the Cairns Convention Centre, has become the team’s third home game to be rescheduled in the NBL22 season. 

It follows an announcement on Thursday that home matches against the Sydney Kings and the Brisbane Bullets, planned to play out on 8 and 11 of January, would also be postponed due to positive cases within the Taipans.

Earlier in the season, the team also missed out on matches against Melbourne Phoenix, Brisbane Bullets and Illawarra Hawks as a result of COVID.

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The pandemic also resulted in a last-minute opponent swap from​ the New Zealand Breakers to the Perth Wildcats in the Taipans’ New Year’s Eve game. 

It’s unclear how many players have tested positive, however in addition to state government requirements regarding close contacts, there aren’t enough players to suit up for this Saturday’s game.

Taipans CEO Mark Beecroft said that while it may cause some inconveniences, he knows the Taipans fanbase will understand.

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“We knew at some point during the season we would be impacted,” he said. 

“We must be prepared to be flexible and put health and safety as the top priority for not just our playing group, but all our patrons.

“It’s a shame to reschedule these games, but they will be played at a later date and I’m sure our fans and sponsors will understand and accommodate that.”

The Taipans play their next home game at the Cairns Convention Centre next Sunday, 23 January, against the Brisbane Bullets.

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Main points

  • A third home game has been postponed as COVID-19 continues to strike the Taipans 
  • The team has received further positive test results, with a number of players also deemed close contacts
  • This Saturday's fixture is the sixth postponement for the Taipans in the NBL 2022 season
This is the world we are living in right now.
Scott Beecroft
Cairns Taipans CEOaa