Stamp of approval: Harvey here to stay

The Illawarra Hawks confirmed on Wednesday that star guard Tyler Harvey has been granted permanent residency in Australia.

The club announced, following Wednesday's confirmation, it continues to support the NBL25 championship winner and his family, as they work through the process of becoming Australian citizens.

Harvey’s permanent residency places him on track to be eligible to play as a local player in the NBL from the 2026-27 season, subject to league confirmation, presenting the club with significant roster flexibility.

Since arriving in the Illawarra ahead of the 2020-21 season, Harvey has been named to two All-NBL First Teams (NBL21 and NBL25), while averaging 17.3 points, 2.9 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game across his 188-game NBL career.

Heading into NBL27, the Hawks have Harvey, Sam Froling, Will Hickey, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Mason Peatling, Daniel Grida, Todd Blanchfield and Biwali Bayles (team option) under contract.

The Hawks host Adelaide in a must-win game on Thursday from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.