Ahwang, George to return to Marlins

The Cairns Marlins will enter the inaugural NBL1 North competition full of local talent and familiar faces under new Head Coach Kerry Williams, including CBI stalwarts Curt Ahwang and Deba George.

They will join the likes of 2016 QBL champions Anthony Fisher and Jimmy Mitchell, as well as young Cairns guns in Ky Stattmann and Kane Runnalls.

Ahwang makes an exciting return to the team, as he currently holds the record for most Marlins games played (238) with his jersey hanging in the rafters.

He won the ABA National Championship and QBL Championships in both 2004 and 2007 (alongside Coach Williams) as well as two additional QBL titles in 2009 and 2018.

Most recently, George played for the Albury Wodonga Bandits in 2018 where he averaged 17.4 points, 4.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds.

The former Taipan made his NBL debut at just 19 years old as a development player and appeared in 33 games from 2004 - 2012.

The 35-year old combo guard said it was meaningful to be able to suit up for the Marlins once again, and is expecting a great competition this season.

"The last time I played [for Marlins] was 13 years ago, so I haven’t been here for a long time," he said.

"I’ve been playing in the SEABL for the last few years, but to come back home and play is something I’ve wanted to do for a while but haven’t had the opportunity.

"To be able to come back home and play in front of friends and family now – I’m over the moon.

"Every team is looking pretty good, all the NBL1 North teams are pretty stacked.

"They either have current NBL players or ex-NBL players so I’m looking forward to it."

Ex-Taipans talent will also be seen in the likes of Alex Loughton and Fisher returning to lead the team, with rising stars Jaylen Pitman, Sam Ellis and Jaylon Beecroft named to the squad.

Cairns' NBL1 North season begins this Saturday 15 May at Cairns Basketball. 

NBL1 NORTH
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