Cyclone threat stops Cairns vs Brisbane spoon fight

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Australian weather is wreaking havoc on the NBL and WNBL.

Just as the WNBL was forced to postpone the Bendigo Spirit vs Southside Melbourne Flyers clash in Ballarat tonight (Friday, January 9, 2026), the NBL said the bottom-of-the-table clash between the Brisbane Bullets and Cairns Taipans in Cairns schedule for tomorrow (Saturday, January 10, 2026) at 4.30pm was also postponed because of a cyclone warning.

"With Cairns now classified within the Warning Zone, the venue has enacted its Emergency Response Plan resulting in closure of the venue," the NBL said in a statement.

It's unclear when the game will be played with Cairns second bottom at 6-17 fighting the 6-18 Bullets to not "win" the wooden spoon.

NBL Statement: Game Postponed (Cairns vs Brisbane)

"The National Basketball League confirms Saturday’s game between the Cairns Taipans and the Brisbane Bullets at Cairns Convention Centre has been postponed due to the potential impact of a cyclone in the Cairns region.

With Cairns now classified within the Warning Zone, the venue has enacted its Emergency Response Plan resulting in closure of the venue. Following consultation with local authorities and venue operators, and with the safety of all participants and the wider community paramount, the decision was made to postpone the fixture. The NBL is reviewing scheduling options for the game and will provide further updates in due course."

Statement from the Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 7:46 am EST on Saturday 10 January 2026

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Tropical Low 12U is developing slowly as it moves towards the northeast Queensland coast.

Warning zone

Port Douglas to Airlie Beach, including Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville, Bowen and Proserpine.

Watch zone

None.

Cancelled zone

None.

A tropical low approaches the northeast tropical coast, bringing heavy to LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and damaging winds from later today, continuing over the weekend.

Weather Situation: A tropical low (12U) is located over the western Coral Sea and will begin moving south towards the northeast Queensland coast over the next few days. The low now has a high chance of becoming a tropical cyclone before moving inland during the weekend, most likely early on Sunday. To the south of the low, a surge in southeasterly winds is expected to bring a broad risk of damaging winds to coastal areas on the weekend.

Safety advice

Emergency services advise people to:

• If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
• Park your car undercover away from trees.
• Close doors and windows.
• Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
• Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
• Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
• Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
• Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
• Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.

Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and emergency services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.