Cairns Taipans star Martin Cattalini has told the Cairns Post he can't wait to put the grind of the pre-season behind him and get on court.

"Games are not a problem, you can play games until you die. It’s the pre-season training that gets to you … that’s what makes me want to retire," Cattalini told the Post's Emma Greenwood.

Cattalini's wish to get on court for games will be fulfilled this week when the Taipans participate in the inaugural Queensland Cup against the other three teams from the Sunshine State.

"All the guys are looking forward to getting out on court and playing over the three days," Cattalini said.

"Playing against Townsville, Gold Coast and Brisbane, you have the upper echelon of teams in the competition and I think it is going to give us a really good idea of where we are at, at the moment."

The inaugural Queensland Cup tournament tips off on Wednesday night at the Bendigo Bank Basketball Complex and will be the first chance Taipans supporters will have to see new signings Larry Abney, Rashad Tucker and Stephen Black in uniform.

Cairns will however be without Boomers guard Darnell Mee, who aggravated an ankle injury during the recent Australian-New Zealand Olympic qualifier series.

Cattalini told Greenwood that Mee would likely be ready to return for the club's upcoming pre-season tournament at Adelaide in advance of the team's NBL season opener against New Zealand on September 20.

Photo: Cairns Post