Club Statement - Temporary Cairns Relocation

The Hungry Jack’s NBL has today announced the South East Melbourne Phoenix will be temporarily relocated to Queensland. 

The Phoenix will travel to Cairns this afternoon as the League continues to monitor the COVID situation developing in Melbourne. 

At the moment, Saturday night’s home game against the Taipans is still scheduled to take place at John Cain Arena.

Hungry Jack’s NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said: “Depending on how the situation develops over the next 24 hours, the game between South East Melbourne and Cairns scheduled this Saturday may yet have to be moved".

The Phoenix will communicate any outcomes with members and fans as soon as possible.

“We have faced a number of challenges this season and the current situation in Victoria is just another that we need to navigate,” Loeliger said.

“We thank both Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix for their understanding and flexibility in very trying circumstances and hope we can get them home as soon as possible.

“The health and safety of our players, coaches, referees, staff and fans remains our number one priority and, as always, our decisions will be guided by the advice of the relevant health authorities."

Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said: “We understand the reality of Covid-19 and that for the sake of the entire league we need to be able to travel interstate.

"This season has required all teams and the NBL to be agile as we faced the ongoing challenge Covid-19 has presented. This current outbreak is a reminder that we must all be vigilant and continue to socially distance where possible and use QR codes when entering various venues."

Melbourne United will remain in Brisbane until the team departs for its game against the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena this Saturday.

(25/05/2021)