Karin Burger Joins Sunshine Coast Lightning in Australian League

Karin Burger has signed with the Sunshine Coast Lightning, marking her as the fifth player from New Zealand’s Silver Ferns to join the Australian netball league for the 2026 season. The announcement follows Burger’s instrumental role in helping the Tactix secure their first ANZ Premiership title last month, showcasing her as a significant asset in the sport.

This move is part of a broader trend, as Netball New Zealand recently relaxed its eligibility rules, allowing more players to compete in the Australian domestic league. Along with Burger, Kelly Jackson, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, and Grace Nweke will also take their talents across the Tasman. Nweke will be returning for her second season, while former Silver Ferns Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Jane Watson will join the Australian league without needing exemptions, having opted out of New Zealand selection.

Career Highlights and Team Impact

The Tactix expressed their gratitude to Burger for her five “remarkable seasons” with the franchise. In a statement, they noted her relentless energy and commitment: “Karin has been a force to be reckoned with,” they said. “Whether it was her clutch intercepts, momentum-shifting hustle, or crowd-lifting moments, Karin delivered time and time again.” With her departure, the Tactix have now seen three key members of their title-winning team transition to the Australian league.

Throughout her career, Burger has built a reputation as one of the most formidable defenders in the ANZ Premiership. She won back-to-back titles with the Pulse in 2019 and 2020, and was named ANZ Premiership Player of the Year in 2021. Her partnership with Jane Watson was particularly notable, establishing one of the league’s most effective defensive pairings.

Looking Ahead to New Challenges

Commenting on her move, Burger expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating, “I’m really excited to start this new chapter in the Suncorp Super Netball league with the Sunshine Coast Lightning. They have so much talent and experience in their group, and there’s also some personal familiarity in the Sunny Coast for me.” She emphasized that this decision, while significant, is an opportunity to test and develop her skills against world-class players.

Belinda Reynolds, head coach of the Sunshine Coast Lightning, praised Burger’s current performance, highlighting her impressive statistics from the last season: “In the past season, Karin notched up seven intercepts, 39 deflections, 33 pick-ups, and 38 gains. She’s a ball winner, and I’m looking forward to seeing her thrive in the Lightning environment and on the SSN stage.”

With the addition of Burger, the Lightning’s defensive lineup now includes Australian Diamond Courtney Bruce and emerging talent Ash Ervin. These developments signal a promising future for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.