Wollongong back-up centre Tim Behrendorff is in line for promotion to the Hawks starting five after Larry Davidson withdrew from this weekend's two-game road trip to Queensland.
Yesterday Davidson succumbed to a knee injury he picked up early in the final quarter of last Saturday's home win over Perth, with Hawks medical staff ruling him out of tomorrow night's game against Cairns and Sunday afternoon's clash with Gold Coast.
"It's disappointing that I won't make the trip, but it doesn't feel as bad as the more serious knee injuries I've had in the past and hopefully I'll be right to play against the Tigers in Melbourne on Boxing Day," Davidson said.
Full coverage of the Wollongong Hawks While Behrendorff has been used sparingly by coach Gordie McLeod - he is averaging five minutes and one point per game off the bench - he is Wollongong's only genuine seven-footer and could be called upon to fill Davidson's shoes in the starting line-up.
Back-up forward Dave Gruber has been in excellent form lately and is also a candidate to join Cam Tragardh and Glen Saville in the first five.
But McLeod might be inclined to make a straight swap for a specialist centre and continue to use Gruber as a spark plug off the bench.
McLeod said he had not decided who would take Davidson's place.
"Obviously we're very disappointed because Larry's been playing well," he said.
"There was some hope he might be able to make the trip but the medical staff decided it's better that he stays at home and works with them and works with Boyley (strength and conditioning coach Dave Boyle), so we'll just have to change the way we've been playing a little bit.
"Over the last few weeks, Dave Gruber has been really stepping up, Timmy has been strong in practice, and at some stage of the season (injuries) like this usually happen. As a group, we all have to carry the load for what Larry's contribution was."
The Hawks could bring in 205cm development squad player Gareth Dawson, but they are more likely to head north with a nine-man side.
Ironically, Behrendorff missed the opening few rounds with a knee injury he picked up in the preseason.
The 27-year-old is back to full fitness and vowed to do his best to pick up the slack in Davidson's absence.
"If I do get more opportunities, I'll do whatever I can to try to make up for what Laz has been doing for us," Behrendorff said.
As for the prospect of being elevated to the starting five, Behrendorff won't feel hard done by if McLeod opts for Gruber.
"Whatever happens, Dave has been playing great all season, Trigger (Tragardh) has been playing well, and with Laz not there, us three have to step up," he said.
"Laz has been huge for us at both ends of the floor and we all have to cover for what he's been doing. We all have to take that extra responsibility."
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