Taipans confirm Next Star's debut as wing ruled out

In exciting news for all Cairns Taipans and NBL fans, Next Star Luke Paul will officially make his debut on Thursday night.

The club announced on Wednesday that the 17-year-old, who has missed the Taipans' opening five matches, has overcome a calf injury and will suit up against Brisbane at the Cairns Convention Centre.

Fellow guard Shaun Bruce is a chance to return during that Round 4 fixture too, set to be a game-time decision with his groin.

The injury news isn't all good, unfortunately, with the Snakes announcing wing Sunday Dech after hurting his hamstring at training this week.

Dech, who is set to be sidelined for at least four weeks, will undergo further scans to determine his return-to-play date.

The 32-year-old South Sudanese international will be replaced in Adam Forde's squad on Thursday by guard development player Brody Nunn.

The Round 4 fixture tips off at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.