The Opals will put the finishing touches on preparations for next week's two-match series with New Zealand at a training camp at the AIS from Wednesday.

Jackson's vast experience will be vital in a squad featuring just five players from the team that won bronze at last year's London Olympics.

The 32-year-old will make her return to the court for the first time since that tournament against the Tall Ferns in Auckland on August 14, followed by a match at the AIS Arena on August 18.

Jackson is without a club after ceasing talks with the Canberra Capitals for the coming WNBL season after they missed a deadline to finalise contract changes.

After seeing her improvement from the back and hamstring injuries that have kept her out for a year, Opals coach Brendan Joyce is hoping to see more of the same at the six-day camp.

''It's about her working her way back slowly to get back to her top,'' Joyce said. ''She's had nine months off, but in previous camps she's done pretty well.

''Each camp she comes into she's getting to a higher level. I've just got to make judgments from this camp about how we use her in the New Zealand series.''

Also weighing heavily on Joyce's selections will be filling the gaps left by several stars involved in the WNBA. Elizabeth Cambage, Penny Taylor, Jenna O'Hea, Erin Phillips and Rachel Jarry are all unavailable, opening the door for fringe players to push their claims.

''Provided we get through to the world titles, this year provides an opportunity for players to stamp their authority and show that they're up to the standard to go further,'' Joyce said.

''The five or six girls away, most people would say it's a given they're going to be in the world championship team, the calibre of players they are it's a strong chance, but nothing's a given.

''There are spots available and to put your name up to play in the Oceania series for Australia is going to help down the track.''

The Boomers will also be in camp from Wednesday, and will take on US college team Butler University at the AIS on Saturday night.

OPALS SQUAD

Squad for training camp at the AIS this week: Abby Bishop, Natalie Burton, Cayla Francis, Laura Hodges, Natalie Hurst, Lauren Jackson, Alice Kunek, Tessa Lavey, Tess Madgen, Jennifer Screen, Belinda Snell, Stephanie Talbot, Marianna Tolo, Kristen Veal, Kelly Wilson, Hanna Zavecz.