Returning Sydney Roosters winger Sam Perrett says it's time for players to repay coach Brian Smith for the patience he's shown through the side's NRL struggles.

Perrett will return for Sunday's match against Newcastle at Ausgrid Stadium, three months after breaking his ankle in the round three loss to Canterbury.

The Kiwi international admitted he had to detach himself from the club through his rehabilitation to ease his frustrations at being sidelined, frustrations that were no doubt exacerbated by the team's on-field struggles.

"It's been hard, and I think Smithy and the coaching staff have handled it really well and they've been patient with us," Perrett said.

"We know all the stuff we should be doing, it's just not happening.

"I've been itching (to play) for a while now, especially the way the boys have been going, it's not been easy to watch.

"Hopefully I can make a difference."

Perrett's return comes on top of the availability of Mitchell Pearce, Anthony Minichiello and Nate Myles following State of Origin commitments, while five-eighth Todd Carney seemed to rediscover a bit of form during his hit-out with NSW Cup side Newtown last week as his NRL teammates enjoyed the bye.

With the side just four points out of the top eight with 11 games remaining, Perrett said there was still a strong belief amongst the group that the finals were still a realistic goal.

"I always feel that way, we've got the boys out there to do it," Perrett said.

"We've known each other a long time now so we've just got to start stringing something together and our confidence will come."

Centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall, who missed the round 14 loss to Melbourne due to an ankle injury, did not take part in the team's training run on Wednesday but said he hadn't given up hope of taking on the eighth-placed Knights.

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