They are still getting over Wednesday's shock firing of teammate Dave Gruber, but the Wollongong Hawks have a game to play against titleholders Perth on Friday night at WIN Entertainment Centre.
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While the Hawks (1-5) laboured through six games in 16 days and travelled interstate twice, the Wildcats (2-1) started the season with three home appearances.
Two of Wollongong's five losses were by two points, while a third was by three.
Gruber was part of an 11-man Hawks roster before being deemed expendable.
It remains to be seen if his axing galvanises the team or pulls it apart.
"In any club you have to have plans and at times you have to make very tough decisions, and this decision hasn't been made lightly," Wollongong coach Gordie McLeod said.
"Like all clubs, there's often robust discussion about where we're going, and then everyone settles on what they feel is the right plan in going forward."
Gruber had five solid seasons with the Hawks and was a hero to the masses.
His sacking has allowed Wollongong to bring back guard Rhys Martin.
"We felt we needed more depth and experience in the backcourt, and to meet NBL compliance with points and salary cap, we had to de-list a player," McLeod said.
"One of our bigs had to go ... to bolster that situation that's what we had to do. Rhys was available and we felt he was the best fit for what we needed.
"At times extremely hard decisions have to be made. Of course a lot of people are going to be hurt from it but as a club, we feel we need to add that depth and experience to the backcourt."
Hawks legends Glen Saville and Chuck Harmison couldn't resist voicing their displeasure with Gruber's departure.
Saville tweeted "I'm absolutely gutted. He is everything the club needs, gutsy, hard-working, selfless".
Harmison made it clear how he felt with the comment he posted at the bottom of the Mercury's exclusive with Gruber.
"As a life member of the Hawks I can only say I am so disappointed in this decision. Dave was the heart and soul of the Hawks team. He did the tough work. He embodied what it is to be a Hawk. Not a good decision at all. Clearly not a decision Gordie would make."
Former Hawks forward and ex-Illawarra junior rep Dan Jackson added his two cents worth on the Hawks' facebook page.
"I know everyone personally, as I played for Gordo for numerous years, and there is no chance that he thinks cutting Dave Gruber is a good idea," Jackson wrote.
He also urged angry Hawks fans to think twice before abandoning the club.
"Do not take this as an 'I'm boycotting the Hawks' thing," Jackson added.
"I sunk a good chunk of my life into the Hawks and want nothing more than to see the club succeed. My closest friends are still there. Hawks fans I beg you, do not boycott the games. Go to the games. Yes let your voices be heard in regards to Grubes. Everyone wear a Gruber face mask. A Gruber jersey, anything."