Duffin, who played three Tests, 50 ODIs and 64 T20Is before retiring from international cricket in 2015, has been selected in the Fire squad for the matches against NSW Breakers on Friday on the Gold Coast and the ACT Meteors on Sunday at Allan Border Field.
Teenage Kingaroy quick Courtney Sippel and Dutch international Sterre Kalis have also been included in the squad and would also make their WNCL debut if chosen.
Duffin has successfully mixed cricket with Australian Rules Football, playing for Collingwood in the first two seasons of AFLW before signing with North Melbourne.
Fire coach Pete McGiffin said Duffin’s experience and skill would be an asset for the matches against defending champions NSW and the Meteors.
“Jess has fitted in really well into the squad,’’ he said. “She’s very professional and has hit them nicely in the warm-up games we have had.”
The Fire will train at Bill Pippen Oval at Robina from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Thursday afternoon ahead of that venue hosting a WNCL game for the first time.
The Kerrydale complex is the home of the Gold Coast Dolphins and has previously hosted a Toyota Futures League 2nd XI game and training and playing camps for the Australian Women’s team.
Women’s National Cricket League, Rd 1
Konica Minolta Queensland Fire v NSW Breakers
Friday September 21, 9.30am, Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast.
Kirby Short (c)
Jemma Barsby
Haidee Birkett
Tess Cooper
Josie Dooley
Jess Duffin
Grace Harris
Sammy Jo Johnson
Sterre Kalis
Delissa Kimmince
Beth Mooney
Georgia Prestwidge
Courtney Sippel
(one to be omitted, 12th player to be named at the toss)
Women’s National Cricket League, Rd 2
Konica Minolta Queensland Fire v ACT Meteors
Sunday September 23, 9.30am, Allan Border Field
Kirby Short (c)
Jemma Barsby
Haidee Birkett
Tess Cooper
Josie Dooley
Jess Duffin
Grace Harris
Sammy Jo Johnson
Delissa Kimmince
Beth Mooney
Georgia Prestwidge
Courtney Sippel
(12th player to be named at the toss)
