For Jess Jonassen, the upcoming 2025-26 WNCL final is not just another shot at silverware, it marks a personal reset.
After years of leading both Queensland Fire and Brisbane Heat, the experienced allrounder has rediscovered her rhythm by stepping away from captaincy, a move that has not only revived her cricket but also lifted a significant mental burden.
Jonassen, who captained both sides for nearly six seasons, admitted the demands of leadership had begun to take a toll beyond what was visible on the field. Balancing responsibilities across two teams meant constant engagement, from strategy meetings to off-field communication leaving little room to simply be a player.
“All the extra little bits behind the scenes that so many people don’t realise or have an appreciation for, that was getting to the point where it was starting to weigh me down a little bit,” Jonassen told. “I thought it was detracting away from me; Jess Jonassen the cricketer and Jess Jonassen the person.”
The turning point came during a mid-season shoulder injury that forced her to step away from the game temporarily. That break allowed her to reassess her role and priorities, ultimately leading to the decision to relinquish captaincy.
“It ended up being an easy (decision) because I knew I still wanted to be involved in the game for a number of years, and I felt like stepping away from that role was a way of doing that. To be honest, since I made the call, it’s just felt like a weight off the shoulders. I still provide some help or assistance wherever it’s required, but it’s freed up my mental capacity a lot. I really enjoyed the role. It was challenging, but it had run its course for me.”
Her physical struggles had also begun to reflect in her performances. During the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), Jonassen bowled fewer overs than usual and recorded less effective numbers, a sign that her shoulder issue was impacting her output.
Following surgery, however, there has been a noticeable turnaround. Back in the Queensland setup, she has regained control and consistency with the ball, while also expressing renewed confidence in her body.
“It’s nice to be able to trust my body again,” Jonassen said. “The shoulder was something I was dealing with from right back when pre-season started.
“The more I played and the tighter the scheduling got, the less recovery time (I had). Things weren’t really going too well. So (surgery) was a difficult decision, but the right one to get it done then.”
Now, with the WNCL final against New South Wales on the horizon, Jonassen finds herself in a unique position, not as captain, but as a senior figure ready to contribute wherever needed.
In a surprising tactical move, she has even been promoted to the top of the order in recent matches, delivering impactful performances with the bat while continuing to lead with the ball. Her all-round contribution was on full display in Queensland’s final league game, where she picked up key wickets and anchored the chase with an unbeaten knock.
“It shocked a few people,” she said of her promotion. “It started as a bit of a chat that if certain players had some niggles, it might be something. But then it turned out (the coaches said) ‘we want to go with you opening’.
“And it’s funny, I joke to a few people (that) now I’m not captain so I can’t say no. I’ll do whatever the team thinks is best and to be honest, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I felt really calm out there … for the two games that I did it, it’s come off. Whether I do it again or not, time will tell. But I’ll put my hand up. I was open minded to it knowing that I just had to bat and not over complicate it.”
Despite her decorated career, Jonassen is still chasing her first WNCL title, having been part of multiple finals without lifting the trophy. As Queensland Fire prepares for another shot at glory, the seasoned allrounder enters the contest refreshed, refocused, and ready to make an impact, this time, simply as Jess Jonassen the cricketer.
