Down Under delight - Sterling inks deal with Australian Super League team

Highly rated Sunshine Girls defender Shamera Sterling has expressed her delight after signing a two-year contract with Australian Suncorp Super League netball side, Adelaide Thunderbirds.

The 22-year-old Sterling, who is rated as one of the best defenders in the world, had an outstanding season with Loughborough Lightning in the Vitality Netball Superleague in England, where she won four awards including the Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy.

Sterling, who made her debut for the Sunshine Girls in 2013 against South Africa, told STAR Sports that she is looking forward to playing in Australia because the league is very competitive.

"I am quite excited because I made my mark in England and now it is time for me to make my mark somewhere else," said Sterling.

"I am looking forward to this challenge because I always wanted to go down to Australia to play," she said.

"I know that the best shooters in the world are in this league, for me to get an opportunity to play against shooters like Jamaica's Romelda (Aiken) and Jhaneile (Fowler-Reid) will be great for my career," Sterling said.

Sterling, who plays goalkeeper, recorded 101 interceptions in 18 games for the Lightning in the just concluded season, which also saw her copping the Fans Player of the Season award as well as, Players' Player of the Season and All-Star Player of the Season awards.

She added that playing in Australia is going to be very tough, but she has prepared herself for the competition.

"I think playing in this league is going to be big boost for me because with my talent, I need exposure at the highest level," Sterling said.

"It is going to be a much harder league for me because you know that the Australian league is much better than the England league, but I think I am ready for it," she said.