Coenraad - who played over 300 NBL games for Illawarra before retiring last November, returns to the clubs ahead of Tuesday night's clash with the 36ers at the WEC. The 35-year-old has remained involved with the club as a community engagement officer. He returned to training this week and has been called in by coach Brian Goorjian as cover for the injured Cam Bairstow.

Read more: Coenraad's return a huge boost for Hawks in run home, says Ogilvy

"My wife's first reaction was 'you've got to do it, you can't say no to this'. I had offers to go elsewhere three or four weeks back to other NBL teams who had some injuries, but moving away from my family wasn't really an option. Even though I entertained some of those ideas - because at the end of the day, I'm a basketball player and want to play - but the only real option in the NBL was to play here," he said.

"I retired because it was what was best for me at the time, the Hawks had filled all their roster spots and the community role with the club was available, but when Brian Goorjian looks at you and says he wants you to play, the only answer is yes.

"It's a great feeling to be back in a team environment, that's one of the things you miss the most I think. When you leave the game, you miss that team cohesion and team environment. So that's probably one of the things I'm looking forward to the most."

Read more: Hawks favourite son returns as Bairstow is ruled out for the season

Coenraad steps in for Bairstow, who has ruled out for the season due to ongoing injuries. The forward has been restricted to just 14 games in his first NBL campaign with the Hawks due to a persistent lower leg concern.

Bairstow will continue to rehabilitate with the Hawks medical team in Wollongong.

"It's real unfortunate for Cam. I've had the pleasure of working him out a few times and you can see his capabilities offensively and defensively so it's a real big blow for the team. I don't think anyone can replace him, he's NBA quality and I wish him all the best in his recovery," Coenraad said.