NBL game cancelled as Covid keeps causing havoc with Aussie sport

AFL and A-League clubs have already reported Covid clusters among players and now the NBL has been hit.

The NBL has been forced to postpone Thursday night’s clash between Illawarra and South East Melbourne Phoenix after positive Covid cases were returned from “a number” of Hawks players.

It comes a day after A-League champions Melbourne City revealed six players had tested positive and follows a 10-player Covid cluster at the AFL’s Sydney Swans as the virus continues to hit all sports.

All the Illawarra players and staff are double vaccinated but the decision to postpone the game in Wollongong was made in line with the NBL’s Covid health and safety protocols.

Our round four @NBL fixture with the @SEMelbPhoenix has unfortunately been postponed due to COVID-19 protocols.

Read the story here: https://t.co/gxsqvJDgcH

🎟️ for our NYE clash against the @SydneyKings available at: https://t.co/7dRswQtmvu#WeAreIllawarra#FlyAsOne#NBL22pic.twitter.com/8PULPEVyX7

— Illawarra Hawks Basketball (@illawarrahawks) December 22, 2021

“The health and safety of the players, coaches, clubs, staff and fans is the League’s number one priority when considering these matters,” an NBL statement said.

“The NBL will continue to follow the advice of governments and health authorities and further testing will be carried out on any individuals impacted or those deemed close contacts.”

Hawks co-owner and president Dorry Kordahi said it was disheartening to have another game impacted by Covid but the safety of his team and the whole Illawarra community is of the utmost importance.

“The Hawks are obviously disappointed to see this fixture against the Phoenix postponed, especially after Friday‘s exciting home opener but everyone’s safety has to come first,” Kordahi said.

“We thank all our corporate partners, members and fans for their patience and support during the period and look forward to seeing you all again for our New Year‘s Eve blockbuster against the Kings.

It’s the second time Covid has hit the Hawks with the virus also running through cross-town rivals the Sydney Kings in the pre-season.

Originally published as NBL game cancelled as Covid keeps causing havoc with Aussie sport