Grida inks new two-year deal with Hawks

The future of the Illawarra Hawks continues to get brighter with the exciting re-signing of forward Daniel Grida.

Weeks after announcing big man Sam Froling had extended for another three years, the foundation club announced on Thursday the 23-year-old has re-signed for another two years.

"I’m very excited to be signing with the Hawks again - this place has been my home for the last four years now and I’ve loved every second of it," Grida said.

"I wanted to stay in the Illawarra because of what we have built here over the last few years.

"I really believe in the coaches, ownership groups and the players - not to mention playing at the WIN Entertainment Centre in front of our fans, which is the best feeling ever."

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_aJYMpoRcBI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

With the club retaining the Perth product, he joins an electric core of Froling, Tyler Harvey, Akoldah Gak and Alex Mudronja for next season.

"I absolutely think we have the foundations of a championship team," the former Australian representative said.

"I’ve played with Sam and Alex since we were teenagers at the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) and have loved playing with Tyler and Akoldah the last two years - so the chemistry will be there from the start.

"Every year I’ve been here we have improved as a team and an organisation and I don’t see that slowing down anytime soon."

Grida, who has been working extremely hard in his recovery from a second ACL injury to ensure he can be the best player he can be next season, is confident his Hawks can also make noise in the NBL22 season.

"We are right in the mix of being a super talented and resilient team," he said.

"Everyone is doubting us right now but we can turn it all around with a few wins in the coming weeks."

Grida's coach Brian Goorjian was thrilled to have home commit long-term to the Wollongong-based club.

"I'm really excited to have Daniel back for another two years, as he's been an integral part of our development program and one of the core young players we want to build around for years to come," Goorjian said.

"Truth be told, he is being sorely missed this season, as he provides a role that is extremely difficult to cover - he's our stopper, our athlete, our defensive juggernaut that you need to excel in this league.

"He was going to play a vital role for us this season before the injury but having seen how hard he is working to regain full fitness, I have no doubt he's going to be a great asset for this club moving forward."

Echoing Goorjian's thoughts were those of Hawks co-owner and president Dorry Kordahi.

"Getting Daniel to sign a new deal with the club highlights the confidence players have in the direction of our franchise," Kordahi said.

"He adds to our young core, which HawkHeads can be excited about and expect to challenge for championships for years to come.

"Everyone at the club, including myself, have been impressed with his methodical approach to his rehabilitation and we can't wait to see him back on the court next year."

Grida and his Hawks take on the South East Melbourne Phoenix from 7.30pm on Thursday, March 17, with seats available via Ticketmaster.