Jackson has been an international star for almost a decade and possesses an insatiable thirst for success.

The 195cm centre doesn't suffer fools gladly - on or off the court - and is a major influence on team-mates.

Opals forward Laura Summerton has been with the Opals since 2003 and says Jackson is a constant source of inspiration.

"She's one of the best in the world and she's such a great competitor and, when she steps over that line, you don't know whether to fear her or what," Summerton said after the Opals thrashed Brazil by 21 points last night at Wollongong Entertainment Centre.

"She's an amazing player and I'm so happy she's on our side. You just have to watch her, she doesn't have to say much.

"You watch what she does and the way she crashes the boards and she's always so physical. She'll also give you a little bit of feedback but she doesn't have to say much.

"You just see what she does and try to follow her lead."

Opals coach Jan Stirling was pleased with her side's performance after a patchy first quarter.

"We know we're going to get better with each game," she said. "That half-court offence has to be precise and we're certainly not there yet.

"This game showed that to us, and that's OK, because we've got time to work on it."

Forward Penny Taylor (17 points) says the team is on track for a medal in Beijing.

"You could tell at the start we were a bit rusty and that we haven't played together for two years, but it's to be expected," she said. "We really have such a smart group that you could see us getting into a rhythm towards the end of the game.

"It's a lot of fun when you're playing on a team where you know each person is going to give 100 per cent.

"It's not everyone just chasing the Americans in Beijing. It's the big three, with ourselves and Russia and the US.

"Any one of us can take away any one of those medals. And China's going to be tough on their home court and the preparation they've had."