Game Preview: Hawks vs Breakers | Rd7 NBL26

Hawks Celebrate Indigenous Round in Crucial Home Stand

The Illawarra Hawks return to the WIN Entertainment Centre this Friday night for Round 7 of NBL26, facing off against the New Zealand Breakers in what doubles as the club’s home celebration of NBL Indigenous Round — and a pivotal game in their mid-season campaign.

This year’s Indigenous Round holds special meaning for the club and its community. The Hawks proudly acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of their Indigenous players, including Will ‘Davo’ Hickey, Biwali Bayles, Johny Narkle, and Kobe McDowell-White. Their presence and talent are woven into the fabric of the club, and this game is a moment to honour culture, connection, and pride on and off the floor.

🏀 Hawks Riding High, Eyeing Redemption

Fresh off a thrilling 85–84 road win over the Wildcats, the defending champs come into this one with renewed energy and belief. It was a statement victory that signalled the potential turning point in a season that has been disrupted by injuries, roster changes, and inconsistent play.

It’s official Will ‘Davo’ Hickey will return to the court from injury and the announcement and with official international clearance of dynamic import Q.J. Peterson will reshaped the Hawks’ backcourt. Add in the promotion of exciting 17-year-old Jackson Ball, and the load on captain Tyler Harvey has finally started to lighten.

Despite early stumbles, Illawarra still lead the league in Defensive Rebounds (31.7 RPG) and Blocks (5.0 BPG) thanks to the dominant play of JaVale McGee, who is putting up monster numbers: 22.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game on 62% shooting. Add in the promotion of exciting 17-year-old Jackson Ball, and the load on captain Tyler Harvey has finally started to lighten.

🔁 Breakers Rematch — Time for Payback

Round 4’s blowout loss to the Breakers (117–88) still stings. In that game, Parker Jackson-Cartwright torched the Hawks for 20 points and a record-breaking 17 assists, while Sam Mennenga poured in 20 of his own.

This time around, the Hawks will be locked in defensively. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk continues to build his case as one of the league’s premier two-way players — shooting 43.8% from deep while consistently guarding the opposition’s best scorer.

The game also carries special meaning for Jackson Ball, who’ll suit up against a team from his home country. The young Kiwi has quickly gained fans in The Gong with his energy and poise, and will no doubt relish the opportunity to compete against the Breakers.

🔥 The Road Ahead: 4 Games in 7 Days

This game kicks off one of the most demanding stretches of the Hawks’ season:

• Fri, Oct 31 vs Breakers (Home) – Indigenous Round

• Sun, Nov 2 @ 36ers (Adelaide)

• Wed, Nov 5 vs United (Home) – NBL Ignite Cup

• Fri, Nov 7 @ Taipans (Cairns)

With four games in seven days, depth and discipline will be tested. Coach Justin Tatum will lean on the full squad as the team navigates this stretch that could shape their NBL26 title defence.

🎟️ Game Details

📅 Friday, October 31

🕢 7:30 PM tip-off

📍 WIN Entertainment Centre

🎟️ Get your tickets now via Ticketmaster

🖤💛❤️ Check out our social media channels for behind-the-scenes Indigenous Round content, player tributes, and post-game highlights.

Let’s pack The Sandpit and honour culture, competition, and the community we represent.