Sport
17 April, 2026
Basketball take on arch rivals at home
THE 2026 NBL1 North season will tip off this weekend, with Cairns Basketball preparing for a round one clash against Townsville on 18 April.
The Cairns Dolphins and Cairns Marlins will both open their campaigns at home, with the club pointing to a mix of experience and emerging local talent across both squads.
Cairns Basketball general manager Luca Vergari said the focus was on building momentum from last season.
“There’s a great mix of experience, emerging local talent and new energy coming into both the Dolphins and Marlins, and that will translate into a competitive and exciting season for our players, members and fans,” he said.
The Dolphins enter the season with roster changes, creating opportunities for developing players.
Head coach Marcus Wong said those changes would help expand roles within the squad.
“While we’ve lost some key players from last season, the foundations we’ve built along with new talent coming in, has created some great opportunities for these players to develop larger roles this season,” he said.
“We’re really excited to see our local players step up this year.
“There’s a lot of potential in this group and it’s a chance for them to show what they can do.”
Dolphins player Mia Loyd said the side remained motivated after finishing third last season.
“After what we accomplished last year, coming so close and getting that third spot, I think we’re all doing a great job taking on the reins and leading us to – hopefully – a championship season,” she said.
“We are all hungry to improve and get after the season and get to that next level.”
On the men’s side, the Marlins will be led by head coach Joel Khalu, who said the opening match carried added significance.
“I’m eagerly anticipating the season. Returning home to coach this team is something that I’ve always wanted to do,” he said. “To open the season against our archrivals, Townsville – there’s a lot of history there and we’re pumped for round one.”
Recent signing Amarco Doyle said the team culture was already strong.
“Everyone on the team is a great guy, everyone gets along well, and that culture is what makes our team,” he said.
The round one clash is expected to draw strong local support, with fans encouraged to attend as both teams begin their 2026 campaigns.
