THE battle to cement an NBL play-off spot won't be the only motivation at the Cairns Convention Centre tomorrow night.

At least three players will be hoping to catch the eye of Boomers coach Brett Brown when the Taipans play host to the Perth Wildcats.

Perth point guard Damian Martin and his naturalised teammate Shawn Redhage, who is doing his best to make up ground after long-term injury, would both consider themselves a chance of wearing the green and gold in London later this year.

Likewise, Snakes leader Alex Loughton wants to show his Boomers days are not behind him.

"Damo has played a big part internationally in the past, so they’ll be keeping a close eye on him," Taipans assistant coach Mick Downer said yesterday. "And Alex and Shawn have both been a part of the set-up. Brett (Brown) would be sitting there with an eye on these games and the boys certainly have those individual goals."

Loughton admitted an Olympic call-up was not at the forefront of his mind, but said working for higher honours was still driving him to perform.

"I’m just excited that my injury’s gone and it’s more about playing well now – the Boomers stuff will flow from there," he said.

The stakes are high from a team perspective too, as the Taipans hunt fourth spot and the Wildcats continue their quest for the minor premiership.

Perth and the New Zealand Breakers have been the two sides most talked about this season and the fact they have lost just 11 games between them validates that.

But Downer hopes the Taipans can force their way into the conversation tomorrow night.

"The word ‘big’ is overused I think, but it’s the right label for this time of year," Downer said.

"It’s a big game – we know we can beat anyone on our day.’’

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