Southern Steel defender Erena Mikaere has signed with West Coast Fever, becoming the first New Zealander to play trans-Tasman netball for an Australian franchise.
While Australian internationals such as defender Julie Corletto and shooter Caitlin Thwaites have turned out for New Zealand teams, Mikaere is the first Kiwi to fill an import slot for an Australian side.
She joins NSW Swifts defender April Letton as the last two signings for the Fever, who will have a new coach next year in Stacey Rosman after former Diamonds mentor Norma Plummer completed a three-year stint in Perth.
Mikaere, who spent three years at Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic before shifting south to the Steel in 2014, says she received a real boost in signing for an Australian franchise.
"It's a great achievement for me, personally. I never thought of myself being imported into an Australian team and that in itself is very exciting."
The Fever finished ninth from 10 teams in this years's league, ahead of only Canterbury Tactix.
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