For Jess Jonassen, the upcoming 2025–26 Women’s National Cricket League final represents more than just another opportunity to win silverware — it signals a personal turning point.
After several seasons leading both Queensland Fire and Brisbane Heat, the experienced allrounder has rediscovered her form by stepping away from leadership duties. The decision has allowed her to focus solely on her game while easing the mental demands associated with captaining two sides.
Jonassen, who held dual captaincy responsibilities for close to six years, acknowledged that the pressures of leadership had gradually begun to affect her both on and off the field. Managing strategic planning, communication and team dynamics across two squads left limited space to concentrate purely on performance.
“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 said. “I thought it was detracting away from me; Jess Jonassen the cricketer and Jess Jonassen the person.”
Injury setback sparks reassessment
A mid-season shoulder injury ultimately provided the opportunity for reflection. Forced to take a temporary break from cricket, Jonassen reassessed her priorities and concluded that relinquishing captaincy would help extend her playing career.
“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 shoulder issues had also begun to influence her performances during the Women’s Big Bash League, where she bowled fewer overs than usual and produced less impactful figures. Following surgery, however, she has regained both rhythm and confidence.
“It’s nice to be able to trust my body again,” Jonassen explained. “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. Things weren’t really going too well. So (surgery) was a difficult decision, but the right one to get it done then.”
New role and renewed impact
As Queensland prepare to face New South Wales in the WNCL final, Jonassen now approaches the contest as a senior player rather than captain. In recent matches, she has even been promoted to the top of the batting order, delivering valuable contributions with the bat while continuing to lead the bowling unit.
Her all-round performance in Queensland’s final league match highlighted her adaptability, as she claimed crucial wickets and guided her side’s chase with an unbeaten innings.
“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 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 an accomplished career, Jonassen is still seeking her first WNCL title after featuring in several finals. As Queensland Fire gear up for another decisive match, the seasoned allrounder enters the contest rejuvenated and determined to contribute in a simplified role focused purely on performance.
