Skytrans Cairns Taipans head coach Aaron Fearne expects tonight's Reptile Rumble in Cairns to be one of the more intense Cairns-Townsville encounters in recent history.

The Crocs (8-14) and Taipans (7-14) are currently ranked sixth and seventh on the NBL ladder respectively, and Fearne says players on both sides would step onto the hardwood with chips on their shoulders.

“The Crocs didn’t come off a very good weekend, and we’re pretty ticked about last Saturday’s game against Adelaide,” Fearne said.

“It should be a fiery reptile rumble: it’ll be physical, intense, it’s just a huge game for both groups,” he said.

Fresh in the Snakes’ minds is a double-overtime loss in Townsville two weeks ago, but after registering his highest score as Taipans head coach (108 points) Fearne won’t be tinkering with his offence.

“We just have to take away their easy buckets. We gave them too many easy points last time we played down there, probably the worst example of that this year,” he said.

Combined with the fact that this season the Snakes have registered more wins on the road than at the Cairns Convention Centre, Fearne is not concerned about finding a source of motivation for this side.

“We’ve (previously) been one of the top teams in the league on our home court, and fans have been a huge part of that, with their energy and intimidation,” he said.

“But as a team we need to give them something to get excited about, so we should be one very determined, aggressive, physical group come Friday.” he said.

The Skytrans Cairns Taipans host the Townsville Crocodiles at the Cairns Convention Centre tomorrow night; tip-off at 7.30pm.

Tickets are still available at www.taipans.com or via phone (07) 4041 3000.