The Australian Opals great had hip surgery this week, ruling her out of the world championship campaign for the first time in 20 years and delaying her Canberra Capitals return in the WNBL.

But Jackson, 33, is confident her fourth operation this year will allow her to play pain free for the first time in five years, declaring her basketball ability "is still there" as she targets WNBL success in Canberra and the Rio Olympics in 2016.

"I know it's [my basketball ability] still there, I'm not concerned about that. It's more about getting confidence back, especially in my knee," Jackson said.

"I'm a competitor ... It's just a matter of me trusting my body again. I'm working with the best people at the AIS ... My whole life I've let niggling injuries go and that's why everything has happened at once.

"But that was part of the reason I was so good, I could handle it. Now as soon as something hurts, I'll put my hand up."

Jackson signed the biggest contract in WNBL history in 2011, a five-year deal worth almost $1 million from third-party sponsors  for her to play three seasons in Canberra.

She missed her first scheduled season in 2012-13 through injury, but will play the next two years for the Capitals.

The multiple championship-winning forward has vowed to repay Canberra for putting faith in her ability and is intent on lifting the Capitals back into WNBL title contention.

Jackson will miss at least the first two games of the WNBL season, but will arrive in Canberra in 10 days to start rehabilitation at the AIS and pre-season training with the Capitals.

"Injuries happen, it doesn't matter who you are – they will hit you," Jackson said.

"Getting back on the horse is the hardest part, I'm tired of doing rehab. I feel like a kid again, to be honest I'm really excited.

"My desire is through the roof at the moment. I've been out for so long, I'm getting bored [without basketball]. Now that my injuries have been settled ... I'm confident I can get right through with the Capitals."

Jackson had surgery on her Achilles and knee in February after a playing stint in China.

She had more surgery on her knee to fix complications, but the recovery was slower than she had hoped and she was ruled out of the Opals' world championship hopes.

The all-star veteran then decided to have hip surgery to fix a painful injury she has been playing with since 2012.

Jackson has pushed her body to the limit for almost 20 years as one of the world's best female players, refusing to give in to pain to play in Europe, Australia and Asia as well as four Olympic campaigns.

But Jackson said the injuries had taken a toll and: "I can only remember one game that I've played in five years that it felt like everything was together.

"That was the bronze medal match at the Olympics against Russia. My Achilles got bad in 2010, then there were my hamstrings, hips and knees.

"At least now I know my knees or my hip won't hold me back. It's a matter of keeping my body strong and doing what I can."

Jackson has already spoken with Opals coach Brendan Joyce about prolonging her career until at least the Rio Olympics in two years.

"He said, 'I'm going to get you to Rio, I'm not going without you'. I want to be there so that's nice to know he wants me there too," Jackson said.