Two clubs have been forced to confront mounting injury concerns, with the New Zealand Breakers weighing up potential roster changes after a difficult start to the season, while the Tasmania JackJumpers have wasted no time bolstering their depleted squad with two Injury Replacement Players.

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BREAKERS FORCED TO MAKE CHANGE?

The Gordon Herbert era at the New Zealand Breakers has gotten off to a rocky start, with the club winning its season-opener against the Illawarra Hawks before dropping its next two games.

Now, with Herbert himself admitting the Breakers need help, the club could be forced into making some difficult early roster decisions.

Fox Sports Australia understands the Breakers are considering potential replacements for two players as injuries continue to test their depth, with every win incredibly valuable in a tightly contested NBL season.

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One of those players is rookie Preston Le Gassick, who signed a two-year deal with the Breakers in May after coming off a championship-winning season with the Gold Coast Rollers in NBL1 North.

Preston Le Gassick of the Breakers drives at the basket during the 2026 NBL Blitz match between Tasmania JackJumpers and New Zealand Breakers at Red Energy Arena on September 06, 2026 in Bendigo, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images for NBL)Source: Getty Images

Le Gassick, 23, is yet to make his NBL debut after initially battling an ankle injury that delayed the start of his season.

However, the point guard has now suffered another setback, with sources telling Fox Sports Australia that Le Gassick is dealing with a nerve injury in his neck.

There is currently no official timeline for his recovery, but if the injury is deemed to be long-term, the Breakers could be forced to consider moving on from Le Gassick while he recovers.

It would be a difficult and unusual decision for the club, given the potential move would be driven by his health rather than his ability.

Preston Le Gassick of the Breakers drives at the basket during the 2026 NBL Blitz match between New Zealand Breakers and Sydney Kings at Red Energy Arena on September 04, 2026 in Bendigo, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images for NBL)Source: Getty Images

Another player whose immediate future could come under consideration is import Josiah-Jordan James.

James suffered a hamstring tear during a pre-season clash against Melbourne United on September 10, with the Breakers later confirming he was expected to miss four to six weeks.

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With the import still sidelined, Fox Sports Australia understands the Breakers could look to bring in another guard should they ultimately decide to move on from James.

Josiah Jordan-James of the Breakers looks on from the bench during the round one NBL match between New Zealand Breakers and Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena, on September 20, 2026, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

That possibility comes after Herbert publicly acknowledged the need for another ball-handler following the Breakers’ loss to the Perth Wildcats.

“I thought Parker was outstanding, but he has to do everything and we need another ball handler,” he said.

“I think that’s evident.”

Parker Jackson-Cartwright has carried a significant load through the opening three games, leading the Breakers in both scoring (26.3 points per game) and assists (9.3).

The MVP candidate remains the focal point of New Zealand’s offence, but the need for another ball-handler has become increasingly evident.

Adding another guard would not only take some of the pressure off Jackson-Cartwright, but potentially allow the Breakers to move away from relying so heavily on isolation possessions while creating more opportunities for the players around him.

Josiah-Jordan James of the Breakers takes possession of the ball during the 2026 NBL Blitz match between New Zealand Breakers and Sydney Kings at Red Energy Arena on September 04, 2026 in Bendigo, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images for NBL)Source: Getty Images

No decision has been made on either Le Gassick or James, with both remaining on the Breakers’ roster.

However, with New Zealand sitting seventh at 1-2 ahead of tonight’s clash against the Cairns Taipans, the club faces an important decision over how long it can afford to wait.

For a team already dealing with significant injury concerns and limited depth off the bench, making an early roster move could become necessary if the Breakers want to remain firmly in the hunt this season.

JACKJUMPERS BRING IN REINFORCEMENTS

The Tasmania JackJumpers have wasted no time addressing their growing injury list, with several players currently sidelined for the foreseeable future and the club moving quickly to add reinforcements.

In a statement released by the club, the JackJumpers confirmed Biwali Bayles and Kody Stattmann will join the roster as Injury Replacement Players, stepping in for Ben Ayre (hip flexor) and Anthony Drmic (back).

Stattmann arrives in Tasmania for what will be his fourth NBL club since making his league debut with the Brisbane Bullets during the 2022-23 season.

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The 25-year-old has 61 NBL games to his name and most recently spent two seasons with the Cairns Taipans, where he produced a career-best 20-point performance against the New Zealand Breakers last season.

Kody Stattmann of the Taipans in action during the 2025 NBL Blitz match between New Zealand Breakers and Cairns Taipans at AIS Arena on August 31, 2025 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

JackJumpers General Manager of Basketball Operations Darren Smith believes Stattmann’s size and versatility will be valuable while Drmic remains sidelined.

“Kody Stattmann is a born and bred Queenslander, with basketball in his blood,” Smith said.

“He’s coming in off the back of a great NBL26 with the Cairns Taipans, and an MVP NBL1 season with the Cairns Marlins.

“We’re fortunate to have him replacing Drmic. He brings good size and versatility for his position, while his decision making and scoring ability are key aspects to his game.”

Kody Stattmann of the Taipans in action during the round 19 NBL match between Cairns Taipans and Tasmania Jackjumpers at Cairns Convention Centre, on January 30, 2026, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

The other addition is former Illawarra Hawks guard Bayles, with the 24-year-old and two-time NBL champion with the Sydney Kings arriving to provide some much-needed depth in the back-court.

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Known for his hustle and energy, Bayles brings 75 games of NBL experience to Tasmania, traits that should fit perfectly into Scott Roth’s system.

Much like Stattmann, Bayles also produced a career-best performance last season, scoring 12 points and dishing out four assists against the Brisbane Bullets.

Biwali Bayles of the Hawks and Tyger Campbell of the JackJumpers compete during the round 18 NBL match between Tasmania Jackjumpers and Illawarra Hawks at MyState Bank Arena, on January 24, 2026, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

“Biwali Bayles is an experienced guard who has played for the Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings as well as a stint in Europe,” Smith said.

“We’ll have another expert ball handler with Bayles on board. He is an energy guy, and you can’t help but notice his aggression for the ball on the court.

“He’ll be a great back up for Taran as well, so that’s some added depth for us too.”

Biwali Bayles of the Hawks looks to pass during the round three NBL match between Perth Wildcats and Illawarra Hawks at RAC Arena, on October 02, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Both players are expected to be able to slot straight into Roth’s rotation, with Stattmann and Bayles making their JackJumpers debuts when Tasmania hosts Melbourne United tomorrow night.