Melbourne United forward Sam Waardenburg is working through a challenging start to the 2026 National Basketball League (NBL) season as he continues to recover from a pre-season ankle injury and adjust to a new team system. The 27-year-old big man, who joined United during the off-season, is averaging 8.1 points per game—his lowest scoring average since entering the league five years ago.

Waardenburg has struggled with his shooting efficiency, making 43.9 percent of his field goals and just 28 percent from three-point range, significantly below his career averages of 49.7 and 42.7 percent, respectively. Despite these numbers, he remains optimistic about his progress and is focusing on other aspects of his game.

“I’m not shooting it the way I want to, how I have, but there’s things I’m focused more on and that’s being the best defender I can, learning as much as I can and making sure I’m locked into the scout,” Waardenburg said. He added that he believes the law of averages will work in his favor and expressed confidence that his shooting will improve over time.

Waardenburg is preparing to face his former club, the Cairns Taipans, for the first time since his move to Melbourne. The upcoming game offers an opportunity for him to regain form and demonstrate his value to United.

In positive news for Melbourne United, captain Chris Goulding is set to return to the lineup after recovering from a calf injury that sidelined him for seven games. Coach Jacob Chance confirmed Goulding’s fitness ahead of the match, noting that his return will help open up space on the court given his reputation as a reliable marksman.

United will look to build momentum with their key players returning as they continue navigating the challenges of the current season.