The two sides square off at the Gabba on Thursday with the newly minted full-time Breakers desperate to win back the trophy they've held for 17 of the past 20 years.

Cricket NSW announced last week a substantial pay increase for its women's players, making the state cricket team Australia's first full-time women's outfit.

The minimum wage was lifted to $35,000 while the Australian internationals at the Breakers, such as captain Alex Blackwell, can now earn more than $100,000 for the season.

It means NSW heads into the new WNCL season as raging favourites, and Blackwell said her team was burning to win back its crown.

"Seventeen out of 20 years is a pretty good record but we've got a bit to prove this year," Blackwell said.

"SA Scorpions beat us last year and we want to continue to see how good we can be. We've obviously got a bit of work to do."

Thursday's clash against South Australia starts a triple-header week for Blackwell's team with a game against Tasmania to follow on the Friday before the Breakers square off with Queensland on Sunday.

Southern Stars quick bowler Lauren Cheatle is unavailable for the first two games as she undertakes her Higher School Certificate exams, while NSW vice captain Ellyse Perry will be rested in preparation for Australia's upcoming series against South Africa.

Otherwise the Breakers will be at full strength, and Blackwell expected morale to be sky her in her side after the recent pay increase.

"I didn't believe it would happen in my cricketing career, now that's a reality and my young Breakers teammates, I can see how enthusiastic and motivated they are in the game of cricket," Blackwell said.

"We have not just full time cricketers now but full time support staff. There'll be every opportunity to link up with coaches, link up with S [strength] and C [conditioning], physio when they need it.

"That's going to be critical in us continuing to be the leaders in domestic cricket in Australia."