Snakes on a plane

The Cairns Taipans will finally have their first-choice starting five at their disposal, ahead of a road double in Tasmania and Melbourne this weekend.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, coach Adam Forde confirmed Pedro Bradshaw (ankle) would make his return to the team for the first time in over a month.

Sam Waardenburg will also hit the road after overcoming an injury suffered in the loss against Sydney. 

That means the Taipans’ starting five of Taran Armstrong, Rob Edwards, Tanner Groves, Bradshaw and Waardenburg will play together for the first time since Round 3. 

Cairns is looking to bounce back from a nine-game losing streak when they travel to Tasmania to take on the JackJumpers on Thursday night. 

The news isn't so good for Akoldah Gak, with Forde confirming he'd hyperextended his knee and would be out "for a stretch".

INJURY NEWS 🚨 Pedro Bradshaw and Kyrin Galloway are returning to action this weekend.

However, AK Gak will miss up to six weeks after suffering significant bone bruising on Friday night. 🤕

🩹 Update via @CQU Exercise & Sports Science.https://t.co/Wnw7RjlzaZ

— Cairns Taipans (@CairnsTaipans) December 4, 2024