After a long deliberation the jury came in yesterday and the verdict was made – THE TAIPANS ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH!

We are now only four wins from 12 starts and if you factor in that we drew Townsville twice when they were depleted early on, the Snakes could quite easily be in last position.

So what’s gone wrong?

I caught the game on TV yesterday and it seems to be a combination of things, none more so than the fact that these guys don’t seem to gel.

For those that follow the NBA you will understand when I say that having the best talent doesn’t mean instant success. Look at the LA Lakers right now after acquiring the best big man in the world – Dwight Howard.

After signing him they were instantly tipped to win the West and give the Miami Heat a run for their money. Not even close, they are fourth bottom and no lock to even make the post season.

The Taipans' problems seem a little different and maybe the coach needs to adjust more to the talent he has offensively and find his scorers better looks.

I don’t wanna bag Fearney as I have total respect for him as a coach but only he can fix this. It was, in my opinion, also a big mistake to drop Shaun Bruce for Kerry Williams.

Bruce was a big reason they got the jump on the Gong last round and you never drop a guy who’s playing well. His confidence would have been sky high and that’s when you want your soldiers in the mix.

Williams is a nice little player but he hasn’t got the ‘X’ factor to turn a game or make the big play. Let’s hope he gets his squad right for the big NYE clash with the Breakers.

For the first time since 2007 there will be a pre-Xmas All Star Game. The Taipans have Trigger and Steindl in the action which is in Adelaide on December 22. The concept is great for us basketball junkies with a 3 point comp and slam dunk comp as well.

Hopefully the Cairns boys make us proud!