Hawks unwrap key piece for Christmas game

It's a Christmas miracle for Illawarra Hawks fans, with the return of the club's co-captain Sam Froling confirmed on Wednesday.

An Achilles injury suffered during the NBL25 Championship Series sent the 25-year-old big man on a long road to recovery, forced to watch from the sidelines as his team stumbled through an inconsistent first half of the campaign.

Now, at a time of need with a 6-12 record, the Hawks will have both Froling and JaVale McGee suiting up for one of the most-anticipated rivalries against the Sydney Kings on Christmas night.

“I am excited to get back onto the court with my team. It has been tough sitting courtside watching the Championship run and games this season cheering them on. I am looking forward to getting back in the trenches, having an impact, and continuing to build on the foundation they have laid this season," Froling said.

"Sam has worked extremely hard throughout his entire recovery. His approach to the gruelling process has been inspiring to say the least and he has done so with a resilient attitude," Scott Muttdon, the Hawks' Head of Medical & Physio said.

The Hawks have lost two in a row and will look to bounce back against a rolling Kings squad, who have found their groove in recent weeks.

The Christmas night game between the Hawks and Kings tips off at 8:30pm AEDT on ESPN and Channel 10.