Melbourne United poured cold water on Cairns’ celebrations for Jack McVeigh’s return in 2026/27 on Thursday night, defeating the Taipans at Cairns Convention Centre.
It was a crucial win for United in the context of seeding, with their chances of climbing to fourth and out of the sudden-death play-in match taking a major boost, although they’ll have to rely on Perth falling away late.
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They played without their usual helmsman Dean Vickerman overseeing the operation, as he was struck down by appendicitis after the team had arrived in the Far North.
Rhys Carter stepped up into the head coaching role for the first time ever, and was ultimately able to steer the ship to a much needed victory.
United are well and truly locked into the finals picture itself, but climbing to the fourth seed gives them an opportunity at a double chance in the first round of the finals.
STARS FAIL TO SHINE
Both teams had to do without big performances from their biggest names, with McVeigh and United’s Chris Goulding each shooting 3/12 from the field through three quarters.
Snakes guard Andrew Andrews had an ever rougher night shooting the ball, making just one of his first nine attempts from the field.
It was Milton Doyle who stepped up in the absence of high-level production from Goulding, with his huge fourth quarter performance keeping United afloat as the Taipans continued to push.
Tyson Walker looked to have delivered the dagger blow for United, nailing a three right in the eye of Andrews to put his side up five with 45 seconds remaining.
But a quick three in reply by ‘Drew’ and a forced turnover gave the Taipans the ball back down two with a chance to take the lead or tie, only for Andrews himself to lose the ball out of bounds twice in two possessions to put the game to bed.
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JACK WILL BE BACK
The Taipans’ hopes for the off-season got a major boost when their million-dollar man locked himself in for another year at the Snakepit.
McVeigh has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the Snakes.
With his two-year deal carrying a mutual option for the second year – meaning either side could opt out and make him a free agent – the ball was in his court as far as what he wanted to do moving forward.
But less than an hour before tip off, the Taipans were able to deliver the news their fans would’ve been desperately waiting on.
McVeigh didn’t hold back in his praise for his new “home” in the Far North, saying he couldn’t see himself playing anywhere else in a statement released by the club prior to the game.
“Cairns quickly felt like home, and I can’t see myself leaving,” McVeigh said.
“The fans, the coaching staff, my teammates, the front office. Everyone has made the experience special.”
Whether or not the fact that another million dollars is set to hit his back account over the coming months has sunk in yet remains unclear.
Especially after the Kayo Sports broadcast vision caught him angrily staring down a referee who he thought missed a foul call on a made triple.
WHEN IT REYNES
Reyne Smith officially made his return from an injury which has sidelined him since November in the Taipans’ last fixture, but this was the first time he was able to have a real impact on a contest.
After logging just five minutes in his first game back, Smith was back up around where coach Adam Forde would have liked him to have been all season.
And while Smith’s arrival back on the scene has come far too late for Cairns this season, a strong performance on Thursday night will do plenty for the Taipans’ confidence, as the second and final year of his contract carries a team option.
Match details
Cairns Taipans 85 (McVeigh 25, King 13, Smith 11)
Melbourne United 89 (Doyle 25, Walker 17, Ili 8)
Venue: Cairns Convention Centre
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