Jonassen re-joins Aussie teammate at Heat

Brisbane Heat have secured the prized signature of Jess Jonassen on a three-year deal ahead of the third edition of the Rebel Women's Big Bash League.

Jonassen joins her Australian teammate Beth Mooney, who also signed a long-term contract with the Heat last week.

WBBL|03 marks the first time that clubs can offer multi-year contracts, with Brisbane moving quickly to secure Jonassen, who claimed 17 wickets last season to help the Heat reach the finals for the first time.

The 24-year-old welcomed the chance to continue with the Heat despite interest from rival clubs.

"There was a bit of interest from other teams, and that was to be expected in the new climate following the MOU agreement, but I was very keen to continue on with what we have started here,'' Jonassen said.

"It's good to have the stability that a multi-year deal offers and it certainly helps with planning for the future."

The left-arm spinner said she was looking forward to working with new Konica Minolta Queensland Fire and WBBL Heat coach Peter McGiffin this season.

"Pete brings plenty of skill and determination to the job and after working with him when he was our assistant coach last season, I'm looking forward to what we can achieve this summer,'' she said.

Those sentiments were echoed by McGiffin who said the Heat was delighted to have secured the signatures of Queensland's two current international players.

"JJ (Jonassen) and Beth (Mooney) are exceptional talents and give us a great launching pad to build a squad around,'' McGiffen said.

"I think Jess can really make a mark on the WBBL this summer and it's up to us now to ensure we give the team all of the support and encouragement they need."

The Heat open their WBBL|03 campaign against Perth Scorchers at North Sydney Oval on December 10.