NBL27 Pre-Season Game Preview: Wildcats vs Taipans

The Perth Wildcats have landed in Karratha as they face the Cairns Taipans in a historic pre-season clash at Karratha Leisureplex on Saturday, presented by Rio Tinto.

It will be the Wildcats’ first official hitout of the NBL27 pre-season following last week’s Red versus Black intra-club game at Eaton Recreation Centre.

The clash gives John Rillie and his coaching staff their first opportunity to assess the new-look group against NBL opposition, with several additions to the squad set to pull on a Wildcats uniform.

Two-time champion Angus Brandt returns to the club after six seasons in Japan, with the experienced centre playing 94 games during his first stint in Perth and adds size, strength and a proven winning presence to the Wildcats’ front court.

The Red Army will see Australian guard Anthony Dell’Orso in action for the first time, aftering joining Perth following four seasons of college basketball in the US, including the past two with the University of Arizona. Known for his shotmaking ability, Dell’Orso helped Arizona reach the 2026 NCAA Final Four and will be a key contributor for the Perth Wildcats in NBL27.

Former Cairns forward Alex Higgins-Titsha will have an early opportunity to face his old team. The energetic forward brings versatility to Perth’s front court through his work on the glass, off-ball movement and ability to create opportunities for teammates.

Local guard Tana Kopa enters the Wildcats program following his season with the Keilor Thunder in NBL1 South, while Jimmy Whitt joins the group after winning the NBL1 North championship with the Gold Coast Rollers and being named the competition’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Cairns will arrive in Karratha with a game already under their belt this week, after defeating St Mary’s College 91–79 on Wednesday night.

Former Wildcat Keanu Pinder led the Taipans with 19 points in 24 minutes, while Kyrin Galloway added 18 points and Kobe Williamson finished with 15 points and seven rebounds. Experienced guard Shaun Bruce contributed 11 points and nine assists.

Last time they met

The Wildcats defeated Cairns 98–84 in their most recent meeting at RAC Arena on 6 February, finishing strongly after the Taipans cut the margin late in the fourth quarter.

Kristian Doolittle set the tone with two early three-pointers and helped close the game with another from deep in the final seconds, while Elijah Pepper provided important buckets during Perth’s decisive finish.

Jesse Wagstaff brought The Jungle to its feet with a memorable fourth-quarter dunk as the Wildcats steadied under pressure and pulled away for a 14-point victory.

Saturday night presents the first chance to see how the Wildcats’ returning core and new additions are coming together ahead of NBL27, on a historic night for basketball in the Pilbara.

Game details

Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans
Saturday 22 August
Tip off: 12:00pm AWST.
Venue: Karratha Leisureplex
Watch live: via approved NBL streaming

The first official NBL game played in the Pilbara will fall on the 60th anniversary of Rio Tinto’s first shipment of iron ore from the region, providing an opportunity to celebrate the milestone alongside the communities where its people live and work.