Karin Burger Photo: Photosport
The Tactix have re-signed their 'defensive wall' for next year's ANZ netball premiership.
The trio of Karin Burger, Jane Watson and Paris Lokotui will all return joining Martina Salmon, Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Ellie Bird who have already been confirmed in the shooting circle.
Burger, who joined the Tactix in 2020, said she was excited about the potential of the team which would feature some new faces and also a new coach.
"The changes that are coming are very exciting and have massive potential. It's important for those who have been in the group for a while to embrace the changes and also be supportive of the new individuals and what they bring.
The defensive trio bring some much needed stability for the Tactix who have lost mid-courter Kimiora Poi and shooter Aliyah Dunn both to the Southern Steel while mid-courter Greer Sinclair has moved to the Stars.
Returning for another season with the Tactix was about more than just the netball for Burger who has made Christchurch her home since heading south four years ago.
"I've been with the Tactix for four years now and I've slowly built a life away from netball in Christchurch - that was just a part of what I had to consider along with the netball.
Watson and Burger have been playing together for three years while Lokotui, who can also slide across to the goal defence role, joined the Tactix midway through 2023.
"Having strong connections that have been created over a few seasons is important and that understanding and bond we've built over the years can't be underestimated," she said.
"If you can keep a strong core then the rest will slot in very seamlessly, I believe."
New Tactix coach Donna Wilkins is pleaesd to have such experienced defensive line.
"Jane and Karin have been the backbone of the Tactix defensive unit for the last few years and Paris just adds another layer to that strength with her ability to switch from the wing into the circle," she said.
