Winless in four road games, the Hawks will try to break their drought in tomorrow night's meeting with the Taipans in Cairns.

"We just have to try and find a way to pack our home game in the kitbag and take it away with us," Petrie said.

Indeed, the seventh-placed Hawks have won five of six home matches, including Wednesday's come-from-behind win over Cairns.

"This place is unbelievable," Petrie said of the Hawks' home venue.

"I'm having a great time playing in this gym, and we just have to start getting a few wins on the road. (Cairns) should be an environment we enjoy.

"We're a team built on hard work and intensity, and we need to be more consistent across the board for 48 minutes.

"We're not a team that can afford to turn it on and off. When we play at a high, consistent level, we've proven we can get it done against some good quality teams."

Petrie has been a revelation in his first season with the Hawks, averaging 13.3 and 6.2 rebounds off the bench and becoming a fan favourite with his hustle at both ends of the court.

Nicknamed "Peach", the former West Sydney Razorbacks forward said he had rediscovered his passion for the hoops game since joining Wollongong.

"I'm just really enjoying my basketball. I was just telling my wife Sarah the other night how I've really fallen back in love with the game this year," the 25-year-old said.

"Cookie (coach Eric Cooks) and (assistant coaches) KB (Kevin Brooks) and Flinny (Matt Flinn) have got a lot of confidence in me and it's just so easy to fit in with this team.

""I've felt so welcome, and that's such a big part of it when you come to a new team.

"Everyone's made me feel comfortable from the players to the fans, people involved with the club and the admin' people.

"The transition's been so easy."

A win over the Taipans would lift the Hawks into the top six for the first time in 2008-09.

"I truly believe we've got the team that can cause a few teams a lot of headaches," Petrie said.

"We know how we're going to play at home, but it's just getting that stuff done on the road, and this weekend would be a great place to start it off."