Cumbrian netball star Helen Housby has signed a new three-year deal with her top Australian club.

The England favourite has capped a stellar year by committing her future to New South Wale Swifts.

Housby’s deal keeps her at the Sydney-based club until 2026.

And the 28-year-old was also this week confirmed in the England squad for the Vitality Nations Cup in January when the Roses will take on Australia, New Zealand and Uganda in Leeds and London.

Housby’s latest deal at the Swifts will take her stay at the club to nine years.

“I love this club and everyone associated with it, and this was no-brainer for me,” she told the club website.

“I never thought I would be able to achieve so much collectively and individually since making the move down under back in 2017, but the club has allowed me the opportunity to develop and thrive.

News and Star: Housby was named best player and best attacker at this year's World CupHousby was named best player and best attacker at this year's World Cup (Image: PA)

“Sydney has been really good to me and the club is like a family that I want to be a part of for as long as I can.

“I feel I’ve been able to play a part in the modern legacy of the Swifts but I am by no means finished yet.

“I want us to be in the running for the title again next year and every year after that. I know we have the means to do it, it’s about rising to the challenge.”

Housby, from Drumleaning, who attended Nelson Thomlinson School in Wigton, has enjoyed a highly impressive year during which her performances helped England reach the World Cup final.

She was also named player of the tournament, and ended the year shortlisted for some prestigious awards, including the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year.

Swifts head coach Briony Akle said: “Helen is a world class operator and we’d never have reached three Grand Finals in five years or won two titles without her.

“You need people who relish pressure in key moments and Helen is one of those.

“She has built a life for herself down here, and it takes a lot of guts to pack your bags and move to the other side of the world, but she’s demonstrated how well it’s worked for her and that’s been of huge benefit to us.”

Carlisle-born Housby’s latest England appearances, meanwhile, will come over the weekends of January 20-21 and 27-28 in the Vitality Nations Cup, at OVO Arena Wembley and First Direct Arena in Leeds.

She returns to the squad after being rested for England’s last outings.

Housby and her fellow Super Netball professionals in Australia, meanwhile, recently saw a long-running pay dispute come to an end after an agreement was reached.