Sydney Roosters NRL star Todd Carney will take another step on his long road back to the highs of 2010 when he resumes goal-kicking practice next week.

Carney hasn't attempted a goal all season, in a match or at training, because of a groin injury he has battled since the pre-season.

The injury, as well as more off-field trouble, has been blamed for a sluggish first half of the season from the Dally M medallist.

But Roosters' captain Braith Anasta said Carney's imminent return to the kicking duties meant he was 100 per cent physically.

"He hasn't kicked a goal all year because of his groin and he hasn't even practised," Anasta told AAP.

"I actually asked him yesterday, 'How are you feeling, are you going to start kicking goals?'. He said he might start kicking goals next week or practising at least."

The Roosters have a bye after Monday night's clash with Melbourne at AAMI Park, giving Carney an extra week to be ready for the round 16 game against Newcastle.

The 25-year-old kicked at 80.5 per cent in 2010, while stand-in kicker Anasta was at 73 per cent this season.

Anasta said he would be happy to step aside when Carney was ready.

"Whenever he feels comfortable to step up and start kicking again, I'm happy to take a backward step," he said.

"I've only been doing it because he hasn't been there."

Carney's stunning return to the NRL last year, when he guided the 2009 wooden-spooners to the grand final, has proved difficult to repeat.

As well as the injury, another drink-driving conviction and a breach of his agreement with the Roosters to stop drinking on a now infamous night out with clubmate Anthony Watts have blighted his season.

Anasta said Carney's form in general play would get back to its best with more time alongside NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce.

"It's only a matter of time before he's going to start finding his feet, but he needs Pearcey's help and Pearcey needs his help," the skipper said.

"They need to really start combining as they did last year.

"I don't feel that it's far away. It just probably comes with lack of game time together and a disrupted off-season."

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