Taipans turn their focus to free agent Moller
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The Snakes, who will be looking to fight back from their wooden spoon last season, have shown interest in the 24year-old but are yet to put a contract in front of the former United forward.
The Taipans confirmed they were monitoring Moller yesterday afternoon.
Moller won a NBL championship in 2018 under the guidance of current Cairns boss Mike Kelly, who was assistant to Dean Vickerman.
If he were to land in the Far North, the versatile Moller could play as many as three positions, having spent time through the shooting guard and two forward slots in his short NBL career.
The free agent is seeking more court time than he found at United the past two seasons.
“He loves the club and wants to be here but we couldn’t guarantee him that role that could grow him as much as he wants to grow,” United coach Vickerman said about Moller this week.
The 203cm forward guided the Hobart Chargers to the SEABL title last year and narrowly missed being named league MVP.
In November, Moller became the first AFL player – he played one match for Fremantle – to switch codes and represent the Boomers when he was named in the national squad for the World Cup qualifiers.
He is set to play for the Southern Huskies in the NZ NBL this winter, who begin their season with three games in four days against the Manawatu Jets, Wellington Saints and Hawke’s Bay Hawks starting April 18.
Meanwhile, incumbent vice-captain Lucas Walker is unlikely to return for a second season with the Snakes.
Taipans President Troy Stone wrote to members on Friday evening and declared signings were imminent.
“Now, stand by for announcements to come ... but we will aim to have something for all of our fans very soon,” Stone said.
“Things move quickly at the commencement of free agency, and with yet another increase in the NBL’s salary floor our focus remains on club revenue growth of our corporate support, and evolving with the progression of the league.”
Stone confirmed Cairns was in talks with Melo Trimble to bring back the point guard after his debut NBL season.
New Zealand internationals Jarrod Kenny and Rob Loe remain the only Taipans under contract for Kelly’s second season in charge.