For the past 10 years, Rhys Martin has been a cornerstone of the Illawarra Hawks.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Wednesday night, the veteran guard declared he would not be a part of the Illawarra’s national sporting team for the 2018-19 NBL season.
The club has gone in a new direction and the popular Martin made the news offcial via social media.
While it’s not out of the question another NBL club might swoop and secure the services of a player who is unquestionably one of the smartest in the country, Martin himself was foreshadowing a shift into the shorter format of the sport, three-on-three.
Like T20 cricket has eclipsed all other forms of cricket, “3x3” as it known is quickly gaining a massive following around the world and will be included as a sport in its own right at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
He’s already recently played internationally for an Australian 3x3 franchise and his wit and skill stood him in good stead.
He joins the likes of recently retired Hawks stalwart Oscar Forman on the sidelines.
Ultimately, with the Hawks eyeing some import guards and signing rising star Emmett Naar, when the club re-signed skipper Kevin White it left Martin without a spot in the side.
Since joining the Hawks in 2008, Martin has become not only a popular member of the NBL team, but he’s also become a loved member of the local community.
He and partner Danielle have chosen to raise their young family in the Illawarra and have indicated that they will continue to do so.
Martin will finish his career with the Hawks playing 251 games in total making him fourth in all time games played for the club.
One fan's post on the club’s Facebook page summed up the thoughts of most.
“Loved watching this talent on the court over the years,” the fan said.
“Super intelligent player. Rhys could enter the court and change the game with the fighting spirit required. Congratulations on an amazing career with the Hawks Rhys. You will be missed.”
Rhys, on behalf of everyone at the Illawarra Mercury who have had the pleasure of dealing with you over the past decade, we thank you wholeheartedly and wish you and your family all the best into the future.
Congratulations and thank you for being a star on and off the court.
