Silver Ferns Defender Karin Burger Joins Sunshine Coast Lightning for 2026

Karin Burger has become the fifth player from New Zealand’s national netball team, the Silver Ferns, to sign with an Australian team for the 2026 season. The defender, who played a pivotal role in helping the Tactix secure their first ANZ Premiership title last month, will join the Sunshine Coast Lightning in the Suncorp Super Netball league.

The move comes as Netball New Zealand has relaxed its eligibility rules, allowing players greater flexibility to participate in the Australian domestic league. Burger will join fellow Silver Ferns Kelly Jackson, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, and Grace Nweke, who is returning for her second season in Australia. Notably, former Silver Ferns Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Jane Watson will also compete in Australia next year without applying for exemptions, as they opted out of New Zealand selection.

In a statement, the Tactix expressed gratitude for Burger’s contributions over five “remarkable seasons.” The franchise highlighted her relentless energy, sharp instincts, and commitment, emphasizing her game-changing performances that included critical intercepts and crowd-lifting moments. With Burger’s departure, the Tactix have now lost three key players from their title-winning roster to the Australian league.

Burger formed a formidable defensive pairing with Watson, significantly impacting the ANZ Premiership. She also enjoyed success with the Pulse, winning back-to-back titles in 2019 and 2020. Her accolades include being named the ANZ Premiership Player of the Year in 2021.

Reflecting on her decision to join the Lightning, Burger expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming chapter in her career. “I’m really excited to start this new chapter in the SSN with Sunshine Coast Lightning,” she stated. “They have so much talent and experience in their group, and there’s also some personal familiarity in the Sunny Coast for me. It was a big decision to make, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity to test and develop my game playing alongside and against some world-class players.”

The Lightning’s Head Coach, Belinda Reynolds, praised Burger’s current form, noting her impressive statistics from the recent season, which included seven intercepts, 39 deflections, 33 pick-ups, and 38 gains. “Karin is a world-class defender and has been playing some of her best netball in the ANZ Premiership and for the NZ Ferns,” Reynolds commented. “It’s exciting to welcome a player of her calibre to our team, and I look forward to seeing what she can bring to the side in 2026.”

The Sunshine Coast Lightning already features strong defensive players, including Australian Diamond Courtney Bruce and up-and-coming talent Ash Ervin. As Burgers transitions into this new role, her performance is eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike.