THE Cairns Taipans' preparations for the new NBL season are well under way with coaching staff drawing up a hit list of recruiting targets ready for the free agency period.

Head coach Aaron Fearne – whose tenure was confirmed yesterday by Taipans president Denis Donaghy – and assistant Mick Downer have been busy drawing up player lists working on the assumption the Taipans would be given the green light to continue in the league.

Pictures: Cairns Taipans 2009-10 

The free agents’ list will be released on April 1, with existing clubs having until then to negotiate with their current players.

While the Taipans were not making announcements yesterday, MVP Dusty Rychart and captain Phill Jones have said they want to be back in Cairns and are likely to be among those re-signed.

Fearne said the Taipans needed to improve next season and would target players accordingly.

"We’ve drawn up a list, as has every other team around the league," Fearne said.

"We know we need to get better.

"We’ve got to find the right mix of players to go with the guys we’ve got coming back and we’re working hard to do that."

The Taipans did not spend the total salary cap last season and Donaghy said that would remain the situation, with the club spending about 85 per cent of the cap – or $850,000.

"Spending the money doesn’t necessarily get you to the finals," Donaghy said.

But Donaghy pointed to Wollongong as an example of low-budget success after the Hawks’ bargain-basement team muscled its way into the grand final series.

"There will be a number of teams like us not budgeting to spend because they can’t afford it," Donaghy said.

"It’s not just about spending the money, it’s about finding the right players that fit the ethos of this team and fit the style that Aaron wants to coach."

Fearne said the decision had been a relief for staff and players alike.

"There’s no doubt it’s been a difficult three to four weeks (waiting on the decision to be made) and it’s been difficult for my family and the players’ families," Fearne said.

"That’s our livelihood and it’s been up in the air.

"To get that news was outstanding and reward for a lot of people’s work and commitment for their support throughout the season."

Fearne and Donaghy said there would be news on player signings over the next week, although Fearne acknowledged there was a need to become better offensively.

"We all know it was the closest league in history and we weren’t far off the mark, but we were off the mark," he said.

"We were extremely tough (to defeat) at home and we defended well but, as we said through the season, we need to put points on the board.

"We’ll definitely explore all avenues (in the player market) and try to be a lot more productive offensively."

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