Hawks on ‘struggle street’ as captain sounds alarm

With just two wins to their names from 10 matches, the Illawarra Hawks are anchored to the bottom of the Hungry Jack’s NBL ladder after six rounds.

This record highlights how quickly things can move in the League, as the majority of this core helped the Hawks win the 2024-25 championship less than two seasons ago.

That season, the Hawks lost only nine regular-season games; a far cry from their current predicament.

During Tuesday’s media availability, Illawarra co-captain Sam Froling gave a frank assessment of his side’s form.

“Everyone is on struggle street right now,” Froling told the Illawarra Mercury.

“Losing is never fun, and we want to win all the time.

“We can sit here and sulk and be down and out and let it keep building on itself, or we can pull our heads out and do something about it, and that’s the only option we have right now.

“Everyone is feeling the pressure at the moment, and it’s our job as players to win basketball games, and at the moment we are not doing that.”

That challenge to win games doesn’t get easier for the 10th-placed Hawks, who play their next five games on the road, starting in Perth on Saturday night.

But the Boomers big man explained his side are embracing the opportunity to ‘save their season’ with their backs against the wall.

“We need to start winning games and string some wins together, and this road trip is going to be a massive test,” he added.

“It’s five games on the road, and we have to have the mindset of going and getting all five wins.

“There is no other option for us to save this season and put us back in a good place.”

The Hawks’ Round 7 fixture with the Wildcats at RAC Arena tips off at 9.30pm AEDT on Saturday, live on ESPN, 9Go! and 9Now.

Read the full story here >> Hawks stars reveal ‘struggle street’ as pressure intensifies on players, coaches