The rangy defender, a part of the Silver Ferns’ 2023 World Cup squad, joins the club after six seasons in the ANZ Premiership with the Te Wananga o Raukawa Pulse.
Standing 192cm, Jackson is a three-time Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award winner as New Zealand’s best netballer and was also named ANZ Premiership Player of the Year in 2022.
Taranaki-born Jackson joined the Pulse in 2020 after five seasons with the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, winning two ANZ Premierships (2020, 2022) in the yellow dress and recently won the Katrina Rore MVP award as the Pulse’s player of the season for 2025.
Debuting for the Silver Ferns in 2017 after playing an instrumental role in the New Zealand Under-21 team’s triumph at the World Youth Cup that same year, Jackson has gone on to earn 72 Test caps for her country and is firmly established as the leading goalkeeper in her homeland.
The Firebirds thank Netball New Zealand for their support in allowing Jackson to pursue the opportunity of playing in the SSN, granting her an exemption to allow her to be eligible for the Silver Ferns while she’s in Australia.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Central Pulse and Netball New Zealand for the role they’ve played in my career, and for their support in allowing me to take this next step,” Jackson said.
“Playing in the SSN has been on my netball bucket list for a while, so I'm really excited to be joining the Queensland Firebirds.
“The club has a proud legacy and a passionate fan base, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to play, learn, and challenge myself in a new environment - both with and against some of the best netballers in the world.”
Having held a leadership role at the Pulse, 28-year-old Jackson’s arrival adds experience as well as ability to the Firebirds’ defensive end where she’ll join Queensland pathway products Ruby Bakewell-Doran and Isabelle Shearer.
“She doesn’t just have height, she also has the ability to read the game, a disruptive lean and rebounding ability that will give SSN attackers plenty to think about in 2026,” Firebirds Head Coach Kiri Wills said.
“Kelly and I worked together a long time ago in the NZ U21 programme and I have watched her go from strength to strength as a player.
“It is so great to be working with her again.”
The Firebirds will share with members and fans announcements on further new signings in coming days.
2026 Queensland Firebirds Squad
Imogen Allison
Ruby Bakewell-Doran
Mary Cholhok
Lara Dunkley
Macy Gardner
Kelly Jackson
Emily Moore
Isabelle Shearer
