The loss of three starters to injury including inspirational skipper Derek Rucker could not stop the West Sydney Razorbacks breaking their NBL road hoodoo in Cairns on Friday night.

West Sydney overcame a spirited Taipans outfit 86-75 after trailing 47-46 at halftime despite having point guard Rucker and big men Russell Hinder and Simon Dwight on the sidelines.

It was a rare road victory for West Sydney - it had won just one of its seven away games to date, including its first ever loss in Cairns last month.

The 11-point win kept the Pigs (9-9 season record) inside the top six while the Taipans (7-10) remain in ninth.

In Rucker's absence, import guard Willie Farley had a rare break out game for the Pigs this season with a game high 22 points while backcourt partner, Boomer John Rillie had 17 points and swingman Sam Mackinnon 14.

For Cairns, ex-Boomers forward Ben Knight had 18 points, import Jayson Wells 16 and guard Brad Davidson 12.

West Sydney's victory also marked the first time in two months a travelling team had started the NBL's `Sunshine Swing' with a win.

The game was still anyone's going into the final term, with West Sydney clinging to a 67-58 lead.

But the Razorbacks were fastest out of the blocks, stealing a 13-point lead midway through the fourth before a Brad Davidson three put the home team back within five with four minutes to play.

However, much to the chagrin of the local fans, ex-Taipan Aaron Trahair put the game out of reach when he answered Davidson with a three of his own and slotted two free-throws with two minutes to play.

Knight relished being back in front of his home fans for the first time in two months as he combined with Cairns import Jayson Wells on his way to 12-points in the first-quarter.

Rillie was the Razorbacks' go-to man, bagging seven points as Cairns held a slender 26-25 lead at the break.

Knight became a marked man in the second-quarter, regularly being double teamed on his way to 16-points for the half.

West Sydney wrestled the lead from the Snakes late in the half, but Cairns import Darnell Mee cooly slotted two free throws to give the Taipans a 47-46 lead at the break.

Cairns could have extended its lead, but the game remained a closely fought contest thanks to three-pointers from Farley, Mckinnon and Trahair.

Both teams attempted to rekindle memories of their last encounter - when an amazing 30 three pointers were successful - in the third quarter.

However, try as they might neither side could find any continuity on offence, resulting in a low scoring third term.

Razorbacks coach Gordon McLeod said the victory was an extremely good all-round performance.

"That was an absolutely fantastic performance, we really toughed it out against a team that is extremely under-rated," he said.

"If we can get another series tomorrow then we can pat ourselves on the back.

"We'll have to lift offensively for any chance of win, but if we can have as many contributors as we did tonight then well be on our way to victory."

West Sydney will have to share the load, with McLeod revealing Rucker was still four weeks away from being back and Dwight unlikely to return this season.

Taipans assistant John Dorge heaped praise on the Razorback's defensive performance.

"It was just a terrific defensive performance from West Sydney and they deserved the win," Dorge said.

"We're still focussing on the finals and this loss won't change that."

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