New Zealand Tall Fern signs with Adelaide Lightning

New Zealand Tall Ferns forward Sharne Robati has signed with the Adelaide Lightning for the WNBL 2025/26 season. 

After five campaigns across the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa in New Zealand and the NBL1, the 24-year-old will join other star signings including WNBA player Stephanie Talbot, Dallas Loughridge, and Tayla Brazel. 

As Assistant Coach for the Tall Ferns, Adelaide Lightning Head Coach Kerryn Mitchell has seen what Robati can do first-hand and cannot wait to add Robati to her new-look squad. 

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Robati in the Trans-Tasman Throwdown and can say with confidence that she brings unparalleled commitment and energy to everything she does,” she said.

“Robati embodies the spirit of the Lightning as someone who steps up under pressure and is an incredible team player who lifts others around her.”  

Robati impressed in the three-game Trans-Tasman Exhibition Series, where she averaged 14.6 points per game against the Opals. In the NBL1 for the South’s Casey Cavaliers, she is currently averaging a career-high 14.8 points and 6.8 rebounds for the 13th-placed side. 

Robati slides in perfectly into what is an already impressive side as an impressive interior scorer, physical forward and a developing shooter.

Follow all the latest WNBL moves via the Roster Tracker here.