Game Preview: Hawks vs United | RD10 NBL26

The rivalry is real — and on Friday night at The WIN Entertainment Centre, it’s about to get loud.

The Illawarra Hawks (4-8) return home for a massive Round 10 showdown with ladder-leading Melbourne United (11-2), the second Grand Final rematch of the season and another chance to prove that the reigning champs still have the formula to topple the league’s top team.

Last Time at The Sandpit? A Statement Win.

Two weeks ago, Illawarra produced their most complete game of the season, dismantling Melbourne 107–93.

JaVale McGee erupted for 37 points and 14 rebounds. Davo Hickey impacted everywhere. Tyler Harvey hunted his shot with confidence. QJ Peterson injected tempo and toughness. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk turned Chris Goulding into a near non-factor.

And speaking of that matchup…

Here Comes Chris Goulding — Hawkheads Know the Deal

For over a decade, Goulding has been public enemy #1 in Wollongong — one of the greatest shooters in NBL history, and one of the few players who can either be rattled by The Sandpit or completely feed off the noise to torch the Hawks and swing a game on his own.

In Round 8, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk and the Hawks’ defensive rotations held him to just 5 points on 2-of-8 shooting. It was one of his quietest outings in years.

But Goulding rarely stays quiet twice in a row.

You can bet he’ll arrive motivated, and you can bet the Sandpit faithful will let him hear it from the opening tip. This long-running personal rivalry is one of the league’s best — and it adds even more spice to an already fiery contest.

Where the Hawks Stand

Despite a tough week, the Hawks continue to find positives in every outing:

• QJ Peterson is coming off his best half as a Hawk — electric in the open floor and fearless scoring the ball.
• Davo Hickey is playing like an All-NBL guard, filling every column on the stat sheet.
• JaVale McGee may have had an off shooting night in Adelaide, but he still protected the rim and controlled the glass.
• Tyler Harvey keeps delivering steady captaincy and shot-making.

This is a group that thrives off home energy — and they’ll need it.

Scouting United

United are top of the ladder

• Milton Doyle leads them with 15.2 PPG.
• Shea Ili is their playmaker at 5.5 assists.
• Jesse Edwards anchors the boards at 7.9 rebounds.
• Fabijan Krslovic provides interior toughness with 1.6 blocks.

Balanced, disciplined, experienced — but Illawarra exposed their weaknesses last time, especially when Melbourne’s perimeter threats get smothered early.

Keys to the Game

1. Win the Goulding Matchup (Again)

If Wani and the Hawks replicate their Round 8 effort on Goulding, Melbourne’s spacing suffers dramatically.

2. Ball Security

Turnovers buried the Hawks against Sydney on Sunday and again in Adelaide. Clean that up, and the offence will flow.

3. Set McGee Up Early

United struggled with him inside. Establishing JaVale early shifts the whole dynamic of the game.

4. QJ the X-Factor

If QJ brings the same spark he showed on Wednesday, the Hawks’ backcourt becomes a nightmare to contain.

Pack the Sandpit

A Grand Final rematch.

A rivalry renewed.

A chance to grab another win against the league leaders.

🎟️ Secure your seats now via Ticketmaster — The Sandpit needs to be rocking.

📲 And remember to check our social channels for highlights, photos, and behind-the-scenes access throughout game week.

Let’s make Friday night special. Let’s lift the boys. Let’s defend The Sandpit.