From backyard to big time: Rookie Round returns

Hungry Jack’s Rookie Round will return for its second year in Round 7 of the NBL27 Season, starting Thursday, October 29 and running until Monday, November 2.

Introduced in NBL26, the themed round shines a spotlight on the clubs, families and communities that help players take their first steps, from juniors picking up a ball for the first time to the parents on the sidelines and the fans discovering their love of the game.

NBL Group Chief Product Officer Alex Hamilton said Rookie Round was a celebration of where every player’s journey begins.

“Every player you’ll see on court this round was once a kid shooting hoops in their driveway, local park, and local club, and that’s what makes Rookie Round such an important moment within the NBL schedule to celebrate,” Hamilton said.

“It’s our chance to shine the light on the grassroots foundation of our sport, from the coaches, volunteers, families and fans who play a part in making NBL dreams possible, and to show the next generation that the pathway to the big stage starts right in their own backyard.”

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Fans will be able to get closer to the action than ever across the round through player appearances, in-game activations and Spalding’s Design Your Own Ball experience.

Fans have also nominated their own rookies for the chance to win tickets to a game during Rookie Round, with one standout nominee to be crowned the Ultimate Rookie, receiving $1,000 for their club and a special moment on court in recognition of their contribution to the game.

Select Cards will also give fans the chance to collect exclusive Hungry Jack’s Rookie Round trading cards throughout the round.

Tickets for Round 7 are available now via the NBL website. Every game will be broadcast live on ESPN, with Saturday games also live on the 9 Network.