Championship hero yet to resume training

Illawarra Hawks star Will 'Davo' Hickey is still more than a week from making his Hungry Jack's NBL26 season debut.

The NBL25 champion, who was part of the Australian Boomers' 2025 Asia Cup gold medal team, has been sidelined since injuring his eye at the CODE Sports NBL Blitz.

During this week's media availability, Hawks coach Justin Tatum confirmed his star guard, who averaged career highs in points (8.9), rebounds (4.6) and assists (3.8) in NBL25, would not return for his side's crucial Round 5 clash with South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena.

"Hopefully, we get some good results from the specialist and we can start to implement plans to get Davo back on court," Tatum said to the Illawarra Mercury.

"He's only been able to go 30 to 40 per cent with anything he has done, whether that's weight lifting, walking or chewing gum.

"For his physical health, we want to make sure he gets at least about a week of training in before we give him the go-ahead to return to the court."

The reigning champions, who are currently 1-3, play the Phoenix from 7.30pm AEDT on Saturday, live on ESPN.

Read the full story here >> No rush, but urgent: Hawks seek import before gruelling stretch of games