Their players actively get involved out in the community, the schools and they live and breathe the Illawarra. There is no better example of that than Tim Coenraad and Rhys Martin.

Both have not only made their mark on the basketball court, but also on this community.

At the Sandpit On Friday night, the Hawks take the court in a must-win clash against the New Zealand Breakers.

Yet, just as importantly, the game will serve as the start of a  milestone weekend for the duo who have lived their basketball lives together.

Martin and Coenraad will record their 250^th club games for the Illawarra Hawks in the two clashes with New Zealand across the weekend.

Coenraad will notch up his 250^th at the Sandpit on Friday night, while Martin will notch up his 250 in the return clash against the Kiwis in the Land of the Long White Cloud on Sunday.

That alone will serve for as massive motivation for their team-mates for the clash, let alone the fact the two wins over the Breakers this weekend would have the Hawks right back in the hunt for the National Basketball League playoffs.

The pair have been fine stalwarts off the court as well as being star players on court. Both have again played important roles for their side when they have needed it most this season.

Fans have come to expect it from these two.

When players pull on uniforms that carry the name of a region on it, especially in a national competition, you want those players to be representative of that region. You want them play hard and show passion on court.

Off it, you want them to be people that the region can be proud of.

In both Rhys Martin and Tim Coenraad, those boxes are well and truly ticked.

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do gentleman and enjoy your respective milestones.

There will be no doubt the home fans will echo that sentiment at the Sandpit on Friday night.

Get to the Sandpit to show your appreciation and support and remember to give the New Zealand Breakers the traditional Illawarra welcome.