How to watch & talking points: New Zealand v Illawarra (Round 4, NBL26)

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

new zealand breakers

illawarra hawks

Winless New Zealand and Illawarra clash in a must-see Hungry Jack's NBL Ignite Cup clash.

New Zealand Breakers v Illawarra Hawks
Wednesday, October 8, 5.30pm AEDT
Spark Arena

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Talking points

Finally on the board

One of these teams is going to finally get on the board to hopefully kickstart their season after a slow beginning. Both the Breakers and Hawks have struggled through the first few rounds, but that could all change with experiencing that winning feeling and growing from there.

Big man battle

Sam Mennenga has the almighty task of trying to slow down Hawks big man JaVale McGee, who has been putting up numbers the league hasn’t seen in a very long time. Ever since the three-time NBA champion touched down in Australia, he has been on a mission for the reigning champs, averaging almost 30 points and 14 rebounds per game.

What they're saying

New Zealand's president of basketball operations Dillon Boucher on the Ignite Cup:

"Our club is excited about the Ignite Cup," Boucher said to Scoop Culture.

"It’s a fantastic innovation for the NBL that brings a new level of intensity to our Wednesday night games and creates more high-stakes moments for our fans.

"The significant prize money is a brilliant incentive that will ensure every team is fighting tooth and nail from the opening tip to the final buzzer.

"We're thrilled to bring this new brand of basketball to our supporters at Spark Arena."

Illawarra guard Biwali Bayles on playing fellow winless side New Zealand

‍"It's definitely a must-win," Bayles said to the Illawarra Mercury.

"We dropped two games that we probably should have won or could have won, but the vibes are still high.

"We don't want to go to New Zealand and come back 0 and 3, especially with a long trip, long travel - we don't want to lose this one."