Karin Burger signs with Lightning

Sunshine Coast Lightning is pleased to announce New Zealand defender, Karin Burger, has signed with the Club for 2026.

New Zealand Silver Ferns representative, Burger crosses the ditch to the Sunshine Coast after a stand-out season with the Tactix in the ANZ Premiership league – securing the 2025 Premiership.

The rangy defender is no stranger to a grand final win, winning back-to-back ANZ Premiership titles with the Pulse in 2019 and 2020 while finishing runner-up with the Tactix in 2021 where she was also awarded ANZ Premiership Player of the Year.

Burger said while it was a big decision to make, she’s looking forward to the opportunity to play in the Suncorp Super Netball.

“I’m really excited to start this new chapter in the SSN with Sunshine Coast Lighting,” she said.

“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.”

Sunshine Coast Lightning Head Coach Belinda Reynolds praised Burger’s current form and was pleased to welcome her to SSN.

“Karin is a world-class defender and has been playing some of her best netball in the ANZ Premiership and for the NZ Ferns,” she said.

“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.

“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.”

Burger’s signing confirms nine of the 10 contracts for Lightning’s 2026 squad, with just one spot to be announced in the coming days.

2026 Sunshine Coast Lightning Squad:
• Cara Koenen
• Liz Watson
• Courtney Bruce
• Ashleigh Ervin
• Leesa Mi Mi
• Mahalia Cassidy
• Donnell Wallam
• Ava Black
• Karin Burger