CAIRNS captain Phill Jones has committed to another season with the Taipans - now he just has to wait to see if there is an NBL club to return to.

The Kiwi brought his world-class shooting ability to the Taipans this season and has been one of the club’s key playmakers, highlighted by a 25-point game against Perth last week.

Pictures: Cairns Taipans 2009-10

While the NBL only recognises one-year contracts this season, Jones agreed to a two-season stint in Cairns.

He has committed to honouring the deal despite the Taipans’ battle for survival.

"I have another year with the Taipans and I’m pretty excited about coming back as long as everything works out with the NBL and the proposal the Taipans have put forward,’’ he said.

"I’m pretty sure I’ll have a Taipans jersey on next season and I’m pretty excited about that.

"I’ll be heading back to New Zealand after the season to play in the New Zealand NBL and I’ll be back after that.’’

Jones has unfinished business with the Taipans after failing to lift his side into the playoffs.

Jones said the team had taken time to jell under new coach Aaron Fearne and with imports Rich Melzer and Skip Mills arriving in Australia.

"I think it was kind of a new group put together and Aaron was in his first year as head coach, Rich has been here before but Skip is new to the league and I think his performances definitely picked up towards the end of the season,’’ he said.

"Rich had a serious injury and he took time out of the game and it took a while for him to get back into the flow of things as well.’’

While he is already planning for the off-season, Jones has Saturday’s final game of the season against New Zealand squarely in his sights.

The reigning sixth man of the year was discarded by the Breakers in the off-season and has not forgotten the pain it caused.

While Jones has already played the Breakers three times this season he was clear when asked if his desire to bring down the Breakers had diminished.

"Definitely not,’’ he said.

"It’s a little bit of added incentive if they are trying to make the playoffs and if we can stop them from doing that, then it gives us a bit to play for.’’

The Breakers were among the title favourites in the pre-season but must win Saturday night’s match at the Cairns Convention Centre to have any chance of making the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Taipans have secured the financial support of five Cairns restaurants for next season.

Villa Romana, Hog’s Breath Café, Café China, Fasta Pasta and The Raw Prawn have been signed as platinum restaurant partners after each restaurant bought 10 platinum season tickets.

The Taipans will hold membership nights at the restaurants next season.

The Taipans have reached their target of 2010 season ticket pledges but need to raise another $400,000 to meet working capital requirements.

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