Roberts keen on extended Cairns stay

Cairns import Josh Roberts has expressed his desire to remain in Far North Queensland beyond NBL24.

Roberts arrived at the Taipans from collegiate side Manhattan, and has marked his first season in the professional game with a string of great performances, but has also, at times, found himself out of Adam Forde’s rotation.

Roberts scored a season-high 22 points on 9-10 shooting against Melbourne in Round 9, however he played just two minutes in the Taipans’ Round 18 defeat to Tasmania.

“I have no clue, I would definitely be open to that though,” Roberts said when asked of his desire to remain a Taipan.

“I love it here in Cairns, it’s my first professional contract, so I’ll see where it goes from here.

“I love the fans, they always encourage me after the games on social media, they’re the reason why I like to play the game I do.

“I haven’t talked to anyone yet, but I’m open to everything, I love it.”

The Taipans will enter Round 19 with their backs against the wall, and look to be one of the next cabs off the rank likely to be eliminated from Finals contention.

All 10 teams in the NBL are still mathematically able to secure a place in the top six, however the dominoes look set to fall against the Taipans, Phoenix and 36ers across this weekend’s action.

Cairns has just two games left in the season, and will face the Wildcats in Perth in its only clash of Round 19.

Roberts says the team remains bullish on its chances of playing Finals basketball this season.

“We’re still sticking together. We’re not getting our heads down or anything,” he said.

“Anything can happen, It’s still a one or two game difference and we don’t know how things are going to play out. We’re still fighting.”

The clash between the Taipans and Wildcats will tip off on Saturday night at 8pm AEDT, live on ESPN via Kayo.