Breakers bolster local core

Third time's a charm for big-man Rob Loe, returning to the New Zealand Breakers for the third time in his NBL career. 

Loe has signed a one-year deal with the club, after being in career-best form under head coach Dean Vickerman and Melbourne United. 

In NBL23, Loe revealed he was retiring at season's end, but little did he know he'd get the call up from Vickerman to sign as an injury replacement. 

The 33-year-old was then elevated to the main roster, and was a key piece in the club's starting line-ups. He averaged nine points and five rebounds last season, and will return to the Breakers under new ownership in NBL26. 

Loe was a part of the Breakers in 2016-2018, then in 2019-2023, and returns in 2025. 

He joins a local-heavy roster as promised under the new ownership, which includes Taylor Britt, Izayah Le'Afa, Mitch McCarron, Sam Mennenga, Tacko Fall, Max Darling, Carlin Davison, Sean Bairstow, Karim Lopez, Kaia Isaac and Alex McNaught are contracted NBL26 players.