Comeback complete: Harry Froling earns incredible NBL return

Two and a half years since his last game with the Brisbane Bullets, Harry Froling is officially back in the Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League.

It’s a tale of incredible courage and a road to recovery like no other, with the 27-year-old signing with the Illawarra Hawks for NBL26.

The victim of a life-threatening one-punch attack, Froling has worked tirelessly to gain another opportunity in the League, set to step in as an injury replacement player for his brother Sam at the reigning champions.

“It means a lot to be back with the Hawks,” Froling said, having previously played at the club throughout the NBL22 campaign.

“I’m a different player to what I was in 2022, and I look forward to giving back to the club who has done so much for me over the past few years, and to get in front of the Hawk Heads again.”

Froling was left with a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain following an incident in 2023.

He harboured ambitions to make a return to the NBL, playing in the NZNBL and the NBL1 competition this year, and putting up big numbers to earn a call-up to the Hawks’ roster.

“Super happy to get Harry back at the Gong,” Harry’s brother Sam said.

“It’s been such a hard road for him, and to see him rewarded with an opportunity to get back in the NBL is so special. To have it be the team that has given me my opportunity speaks to the quality of this club and their investment in people.”