# New Zealand Breakers NBL season start

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-breakers-nbl-season-start
> Updated: 2026-09-19T23:47:37.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The New Zealand Breakers began their 2026/27 Australian NBL season facing early roster challenges. American guard Josiah-Jordan James was ruled out for the season opener against the Illawarra Hawks due to a hamstring tear sustained during pre-season.

Despite the absence of James, the Breakers secured a 95-81 victory over the Hawks at Spark Arena. Led by new head coach Gordon Herbert, the team maintained control throughout the match. Key performances included 27 points from Sam Mennenga, 23 points and 13 assists from captain Parker Jackson-Cartwright, and 24 points from debutant DJ Vasiljevic.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: New Zealand Breakers defeat Illawarra Hawks in NBL season opener

The New Zealand Breakers defeated the Illawarra Hawks 95-81 in their NBL27 season opener, led by Sam Mennenga's 27 points and Parker Jackson-Cartwright's 13 assists.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-breakers-defeat-illawarra-hawks-in-nbl-season-opener

### 2026-09-16: New Zealand Breakers to miss NBL opener without Josiah-Jordan James

New Zealand Breakers guard Josiah-Jordan James will miss the NBL season opener against the Illawarra Hawks due to a hamstring injury.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-breakers-to-miss-nbl-opener-without-josiah-jordan-james

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Cite as: New Zealand Breakers NBL season start. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-breakers-nbl-season-start