Jason Ryles says it's unfair for Sydney Roosters to rely solely on Todd Carney to prevent their season spiralling out of control.

At the halfway point of the NRL campaign, the Roosters are languishing in 13th spot on the ladder, losing six of their past seven games and scoring fewer points than any other team.

Last season's grand finalist's poor start to the season has coincided with the off-field dramas and injury woes experienced by Carney, who has spent time being treated for alcoholism as well as battling a groin problem.

Despite returning to action last month, the Dally M Medallist is yet to reach the heady heights of his stellar 2010 season.

However, former NSW prop Ryles believed Carney had turned the corner and was still a force to be reckoned with.

"I have noticed a real difference since Todd came back. He's a lot more focused I think, and the way he is preparing himself before training has been really impressive," Ryles said.

"I said when he returned, I said it would take him at least four games to get back to his best. He has been carrying an injury as well, which has not helped him, but I am sure he's not far away from a big performance."

Ryles denied the Roosters were over-reliant on Carney to dig them out of trouble ahead of Saturday's must-win game at Sydney Football Stadium against a Warriors side who had won their past five matches.

"In every side, it's important to have a solid 1,6,7 and 9 and, although Toddy is a big player for us, we can't expect him to win games for us on his own, and it is really important that all 17 of us stand up and do our jobs," he said.

"That is what we have spoken about this week, that and getting back to basics, if we can, a win isn't far away."

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary, a former assistant coach at the Roosters, admitted he was wary of facing Brian Smith's side, despite his fifth-placed team's red-hot recent form.

"There are always good teams at the bottom. The competition has shown that in the last six or seven years," he said.

"It's only halfway through the season this week and it's not uncommon to turn things around.

"Whether you're going supposedly badly, things can change pretty quickly. You only have to look at their roster."

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