![Defender Kate Burley is heading to the Southern Steel. Photo: Getty Images](https://www.odt.co.nz/sites/default/files/styles/odt_landscape_extra_large_4_3/public/story/2021/08/gettyimages-663693274.jpg?itok=lsJkoUt4)
The 24-year-old defender will join Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit and Sarahpheinna Woulf in the Southern Steel’s defensive circle for next season.
It comes as regular goal keep Taneisha Fifita takes a break from netball.
She will fulfil her lifelong dream of completing her mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Burley (24) comes to the Steel after winning her first ANZ Premiership title with the Northern Mystics on Sunday.
She followed that by being named to the Silver Ferns development squad on Tuesday.
While it is a big move for Burley, putting herself in a position to continue growing as a player is a key motivator.
"Being named in the development squad is definitely a step in the direction I want to be going in so it’s another one closer to one day making that Ferns squad," she said.
"That’s a big factor in my move — putting court time and learning ahead of convenience. It would have definitely been easier to stay at home but I really want to push myself.
‘‘This year was when I decided I want give netball a good crack and I really want to strive for those higher honours so hopefully this will contribute to that in some way.
"I saw it as a cool opportunity because you can see from the outside the Steel environment looks great. To be honest, I never thought I would look at leaving Auckland but I’ve seen so many great players move away and I’ve seen their results and how they have grown."
Steel coach Reinga Bloxham said Burley was a great addition to the line-up.
It left her with a defensive trio with ’’versatility, power, speed and brains’’.
The trio join English shooter George Fisher on the list of confirmed players for the Steel’s 2022 roster.