Martin took to Instagram on Wednesday night to thank the Hawks faithful for their support throughout his 251-game career with the club.

“After 10 years with the Illawarra Hawks the club has decided my skills are no longer required,” Martin wrote.

“It's been my honour and privilege to wear the red and white and I have formed many life-long bonds along the way. 

"The fans and supporters make this town a great place to play and I'm thankful to have been a part of it for as long as I was.

"Best of luck to the team for the upcoming season. Rhys Martin #13.”

In a statement released on Thursday morning the club confirmed the release of Martin, whose 251 games for the club see him sit fourth on the club's all-time list.

“It was an extremely tough decision to get the right balance in the roster next season and moving into the future,” the statement read.

From everyone who has been involved with the Illawarra Hawks over the past 10 years we would like to thank Rhys for everything he has done for the club and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

It is, as yet, unclear whether Martin will look to continue his 274-game NBL career elsewhere.

Illawarra are still looking to add to a roster that currently includes skipper Kevin White, veterans AJ Ogilvy, Tim Coenraad and David Andersen, as well as young-guns Daniel Grida and Emmett Naar and sharp-shooting swingman Todd Blanchfield.