Silver Ferns Defender Karin Burger Joins Sunshine Coast Lightning for 2026

Karin Burger, a key defender for the Silver Ferns, has signed with the Sunshine Coast Lightning for the upcoming 2026 season. This marks her transition to the Suncorp Super Netball league, following a successful stint with the Tactix, where she played a crucial role in securing the team’s first ANZ Premiership title last month.

Burger is the fifth Silver Fern to receive an exemption, allowing her to compete in the Australian domestic league. This development follows a change in eligibility rules by Netball New Zealand, aimed at facilitating player movement. Alongside Burger, fellow New Zealand internationals Kelly Jackson, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, and Grace Nweke, who will return for her second season, are also set to join Australian teams.

Impact on Tactix and Player Development

The Tactix organization expressed gratitude for Burger’s contributions during her five seasons with the franchise. A statement from the team highlighted her remarkable performance, noting, “Karin has been a force to be reckoned with—bringing relentless energy, sharp instinct, and absolute commitment to the Tactix.” Her tenure included significant moments like clutch intercepts and crowd-lifting plays, solidifying her reputation as a standout player.

With Burger’s departure, the Tactix have now lost three members of their championship-winning squad to the Australian league. Alongside Burger, teammate Jane Watson, who formed a formidable defensive pairing with her, will also be playing in Australia. Te Paea Selby-Rickit, another prominent player, has also secured a spot in the Australian league but did not need to seek an exemption as she opted out of New Zealand selection.

Burger’s accomplishments include winning back-to-back ANZ Premiership titles with the Pulse in 2019 and 2020, as well as being named the ANZ Premiership Player of the Year in 2021.

Excitement for New Challenges

Burger expressed her enthusiasm for this new chapter in her career. “I’m really excited to start this new chapter in the SSN with Sunshine Coast Lightning,” she said. She emphasized the talent and experience within the Lightning squad, as well as her personal connection to the Sunshine Coast.

The Lightning’s Head Coach, Belinda Reynolds, praised Burger’s current form and skill set. “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 noted. In the past season, Burger recorded impressive statistics, including seven intercepts, 39 deflections, 33 pick-ups, and 38 gains.

Reynolds is eager to see how Burger will adapt to the Lightning’s environment and the competitive landscape of the Suncorp Super Netball. The Lightning’s defensive lineup already includes Australian Diamond Courtney Bruce and rising star Ash Ervin, setting a strong foundation for the upcoming season.

As the netball community watches these player movements, the implications for both the Silver Ferns and the Australian league will be significant, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape in the years to come.