Illawarra fans will get a sneak preview of the traditional Hawks versus Kings derby when the NBL Blitz comes to Wollongong this month.
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Illawarra and Sydney will face off in the season proper on New Year's Eve, but the teams will go head-to-head in a pre-season clash at the WEC on November 27. As part of the Blitz draw released on Wednesday, the Hawks will also host the New Zealand Breakers on November 25.
This year's Blitz has been split into two divisions - NSW/Victoria, and Tasmania - due to the ongoing impact of COVID.
"It's exciting for our region to get two Blitz games out of Victoria and Tasmania, and play them at our home ground," Hawks owner Dorry Kordahi said.
"The NBL Blitz has never been played in NSW, so for us to nab two games to this region and our stadium is fantastic for us, our fans and our community. It further shows that we want to showcase this team and support this club, and fans just need to get out there and support their team.
"It's always going to be a rivalry when you've got the Kings up there, the big brother. From our end, winning games is what's going to stick it to the Kings. We've got a team that can win games. Winning games is what makes a rivalry, and last year was a tell-tale sign of that. For us, it's exciting to see where this will go. We will build on this momentum, we will make this Freeway title contention something that people want to come out and watch."
The Hawks will kick off their Blitz campaign with a trip south to face the Phoenix on November 15, before taking on Melbourne United five days later in Melbourne. At this stage, all games in Victoria will be played behind closed doors.
All teams are competing for the Loggins-Bruton Cup, while the tournament's most standout player will win the Ray Borner Medal.
All games are worth a maximum of seven points. Three points are awarded to the winning team, with an additional point awarded to the side that wins each quarter. If a quarter is tied, both teams receive half of a point. If a game goes into overtime, no additional points are awarded.
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
