Sport
29 March, 2026
Head coach joins club
CAIRNS Basketball is building momentum on and off the court, with key appointments, community campaigns and a long-serving referee preparing to farewell the game after more than two decades.
Cairns Basketball Incorporated (CBI) has announced Marcus Wong will return as head coach of The Industry Estate Agents Cairns Dolphins for the upcoming NBL1 North season.
A former NBL1 west coach of the year and WNBL championship-winning assistant coach with Townsville Fire, he led the team in 2025 and said he was eager to continue developing talent in the region.
“I’m excited to return and continue building on the foundations we’ve laid,” he said.
“Far North Queensland has exceptional basketball talent and it’s a privilege to help develop that within a high-performance environment.”
Coach Wong also welcomed the return of marquee player Mia Loyd.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Mia back to The Industry Estate Agents, Cairns Dolphins,” he said.
“She’s a proven competitor with the ability to impact games, especially on the offensive end of the floor, but just as importantly, she brings leadership and professionalism to the group.
“Having a marquee player of her calibre returning gives our program real momentum heading into the season.”
The NBL1 North conference runs from April to July, with the 2026 season commencing on Saturday 18 April.
The Cairns basketball community is preparing to farewell long-serving referee Darryl Martin (pictured above), who will relocate south at the conclusion of the current junior summer season.
After more than 20 years officiating games across the region, Cairns Basketball said he had been a familiar presence helping guide players, coaches and fellow referees.
“On behalf of the entire Cairns Basketball community, thank you Darryl for your incredible service, dedication and the many years you’ve given to our courts,” the organisation said.
CBI said further details regarding the 2026 roster and season fixtures would be announced in coming weeks.
