How to watch & talking points: Illawarra v New Zealand

Friday, October 31, 2025

illawarra hawks

new zealand beakers

The Hawks look to keep their momentum alive as they host the Breakers in Indigenous Round.

Illawarra Hawks v New Zealand Breakers
Friday, October 31, 7.30pm AEDT
WIN Entertainment Centre

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Talking points

Hawks building
‍It takes a lot of character to go into RAC Arena undermanned and grind out a win against the Wildcats – and that clutch win from the Hawks might be all that is needed for them to turn their season around.

Led by JaVale McGee and Tyler Harvey, the Hawks are hoping to build on that win by putting the Breakers to the sword at home. With Davo Hickey returning and new import QJ Peterson, will the Hawks rise from here?‍

Mennenga for MIP?
‍Sam Mennenga might just be the leading candidate for the Most Improved Player, as the Kiwi big man has begun the season in impressive fashion.

Whether it’s from outside, or battling down low in the post, Mennenga has been filling it up from everywhere so far. It will be a big test against McGee, but the young star has shown he’s up for any challenge.

What they're saying

Hawks coach Justin Tatum on what new import QJ Peterson will bring to his squad:
"He has shown a ton of energy since arriving here. He is really trying to get to know the players and has watched a lot of film on who we are before he arrived.

"On the court, in a couple of our practices, he was just showing what his capabilities are.

"We understand that his legs are not all the way there yet. His conditioning is really solid, but not to a point where he can play a significant amount of minutes [against the Breakers]. But he has been pushing himself every day, and it's exciting."

Breakers co-captain Reuben Te Rangi on the club's Indigenous Round jerseys:
"To be back in a BNZ Breakers singlet is special, but to wear one that so proudly represents my Whakapapa is a feeling of immense pride.

"It’s bringing my culture and my club together as we take on the Aussies."