Murray Wenzel | Friday, July 22, 2011 |© The Cairns Post

TONIGHT the Marlins must outjump a much-taller Townsville and then get the better of a red-hot Deba George in Mackay tomorrow.  

And even then they may not be any closer to contesting the QBL finals.

It is a tough double that poses many varying and difficult tasks, but Cairns will go in all guns blazing and see where that gets them.

They sit two wins behind Rockhampton on the ladder and need results to go their way if they want to unseat them from third in the Northern Conference and sneak into finals.

Coach Brad Burdon is not interested in that equation though.

"We’ve just got to play as well as we can. If it emerges (finals) from there, then we pat ourselves on the back then," Burdon said.

Tonight’s battle with long-time rival Townsville is squarely in the home side’s favour with Marlins big Patrick Donald unable to travel because of work commitments.

Matthew Adekponya, standing six inches shorter than Donald, will take his spot and give away crucial height to one of the league’s largest starting five.

"It’s a big challenge even with Patty there, but it means every guy needs to pick up that extra two or three rebounds to keep us in the hunt," Burdon said.

Then they move to Mackay on Saturday where a showdown between point guards Curt Ahwang and Deba George awaits.

The former Taipans squad member and long-time Marlins favourite has been on fire in Mackay and even earned a call-up to train with NBL club Wollongong Hawks. He hit a three-pointer on the buzzer last week to beat Townsville and is in career best form.

One sore point for his season was his lacklustre effort when Mackay were conquered in Cairns earlier this year and Burdon is hoping that doesn’t hurt them on Saturday.

"Curt didn’t allow him to play well when he came here earlier this year so I’m guessing we are going to see a very aggressive Deba George on court in Mackay," Burdon warned.

"His battle with Curt will be crucial."

James Mitchell is one man who lifted on the Marlins’ last road trip and Burdon tipped him to continue his late season surge.

"I think everyone was hoping he would show signs of improvement after his season in development with the Taipans and I think he was hoping too," Burdon said.

"He can’t afford to just hope though, he has to go and do it and I think he’s starting to realise that."