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Cairns Taipans add Kiwi Robert Loe to NBL playing roster

New Zealand center Robert Loe. Matt King/Getty Images

Cairns have signed Tall Black Robert Loe to a two-year-deal, as new coach Mike Kelly continues the rebuild at the NBL franchise.

After acquiring the services of Perth Wildcats forward Lucas Walker on Tuesday, the Taipans have added the 2.1-metre tall New Zealand Breaker to their playing roster.

Kelly has described the 26-year-old, who spent two seasons with the Auckland-based franchise, as a young veteran.

"Rob has a winning mentality. He plays within the team framework and has a toughness that will help us battle in the physical play of the NBL," he said.

"I think Rob brings great value both in the way he plays in the game and the way he carries himself.

"He's shown an unselfishness - both for the Breakers and the Tall Blacks - and he's the type of player that his team mates respect.

"I'm looking for Rob to bring everything he has. I know he'll do what it takes to help his team win, but I also want to give him the freedom to show us what he can really do on the offensive end."

Kelly was given a near-clean slate to work with since replacing long-time coach Aaron Fearne.

Since free agency began last week, the Taipans have lost Cameron Gliddon (Brisbane), Mitch McCarron (Europe) and Jarrad Weeks (New Zealand Breakers).

Loe joins Walker, Nate Jawai, Alex Loughton and Kuany Kuany in the Taipans squad.