Hawks To Face Taipans in NBL Season Opener

The Hawks will take centre stage on Friday 15 January as the club opens the new NBL season against last season’s finalists - the Cairns Taipans.

It’s the first game of a double header between the two sides and will be a great chance for Hawks fans to see their new look outfit with master coach Brian Goorjian at the helm.

Hawks President and Co-Owner, Dorry Kordahi, said it was an exciting time to be a Hawks fan.

“We just cannot wait to start the season. It’s been months in the making and although it’s been challenging preparing through a pandemic, the team is ready and our coaching staff is very excited to see what we've assembled,” Kordahi said.

“Irrespective of where we are playing, we just want to get the season underway and see how good we are. We've assembled a dynamic and exciting roster and are looking forward to opening the season against a quality team like the Taipans ” he said.

The opening night fixture forms part of a new look draw for the NBL, with the league reverting to a rolling schedule for the first five rounds of the season (prior to the NBL Hub) due to the ongoing uncertainty around the coronavirus.

The opening two rounds are as follows:

Round 1
Friday 15 January - Cairns Taipans v The Hawks, Cairns Pop-Up Arena
Sunday 17 January - Cairns Taipans v The Hawks, Cairns Pop-Up Arena

Round 2
Tuesday 26 January – Brisbane Bullets v The Hawks, Nissan Arena

This means the previously scheduled round 1 and 2 home games in January at the WIN Entertainment Centre will not take place.

Based on the current situation - The Hawks also don’t expect the currently scheduled Round 3-5 home games in late January and February to take place in Wollongong – but this could be subject to change, with the decision to be made in line with the most up to date public health orders.

NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said: “The changes we have made to the schedule ensure the season can get underway in a timely manner and that we can still play enough games prior to the beginning of the NBL Melbourne Hub (beginning on February 20) and be confident of still being able to complete the season in June.”

It is still the Hawks - and the league’s intention – to play 14 home games at the WIN Entertainment Centre this season.

“Although this isn’t the situation we hoped for [playing away from home], the latest COVID outbreak in our state and region means this is the safest and smartest way for the NBL season to commence,” Kordahi said.

“The health and safety of the players, staff and fans of the NBL is paramount and I commend the league on its ability to bend but not break under the weight of uncertainty COVID has brought to the beginning of the new season.“

“The players, staff and The Hawks organisation will miss the fans during our first few games of the season, but we know you’ll be cheering the team on from afar. We look forward to seeing you all back at the WEC as soon as possible."

TO OUR MEMBERS - WE NEED YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER!

Our Hawks are away from home and need your support now more than ever.  Get behind our boys on the road – follow us Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.  Send the guys your messages of support – lets show them some love Illawarra! 

While there is uncertainty about when we will be back in the Gong and playing at the WIN Entertainment Centre, we continue to work closely with the NBL to ensure our 14 home games will be scheduled as soon as it is deemed safe for all to do so.  In the meantime, your Membership with the club remains our highest priority. 

“To our members; We appreciate your continued support and know this is not a perfect situation. We know you were eagerly awaiting the start of the new season and we were excited to welcome you back to the WEC. I can assure you we are still planning to host 14 home games at the WEC this year and will continue to keep you up to date as more information around ticketing, venue capacity and scheduling comes to hand,” Hawks Co Owner and President Dorry Kordahi said. 

Supporter memberships are still available for $79.  

We are in this together, now more than ever.