New Zealand star ruled out for season

The New Zealand Breakers’ season has taken another blow, with star point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright ruled out for the rest of the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season.

The club announced on Tuesday that Jackson-Cartwright has a stress fracture in his tibia. He had been managing a lower leg injury with the support of the medical staff, but his symptoms increased on last week’s road trip to Tasmania, and further scans revealed the fracture. He now requires immediate rest and rehabilitation.

Breakers President of Basketball Dillon Boucher said the club would support Jackson-Cartwright through the difficult period.

“This is devastating for the club, but first and foremost it is devastating for Parker,” Boucher said.

“He lives and breathes the Breakers; he loves the club, the city, the country, and our fans.

“The decision is taken with his welfare top of mind, to allow him to rest, heal and return better than ever in 2027.”

The Breakers are now focused on snapping a five-game losing streak and finding a suitable replacement.

“This has happened over the past 24 hours and is still very new; our focus is on Parker and preparing the team for our game against Brisbane on Friday night,” Boucher added.

“I will be talking to Marc [Mitchell] and Gordie [Herbert] and looking at our options moving forward and putting together a plan for the rest of the season, but for now no decisions have been made; this is still very new for everyone.”

In better news, Charles Bediako’s scans on his lower back have come back clear, showing no fracture.

The big man will continue to be assessed during the week and will be a game-day decision against the Bullets.

Friday’s Round 9 clash between the Breakers and Bullets tips off at 5.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.