Sydney Roosters prop Jason Ryles says a quick look at the NRL ladder will ensure last year's grand finalists don't get carried away with their return to the winner's circle.

The Roosters registered just their second win in their past seven matches on Sunday and the 34 points scored against Penrith was the best output since putting 40 on South Sydney in the season opener.

Heading into Saturday night's rematch with the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium, Ryles said it was vital the Roosters didn't assume they had turned the corner.

The tri-colours remain in 15th spot on the ladder, with only struggling Gold Coast keeping them out of the NRL cellar.

"There were some positives signs there, I wouldn't say it was a return to form but there were some good signs there for us and something we can certainly build on and keep working on," Ryles said on Monday.

"We can't lose sight of the fact that we've only won one game so we've got to face Souths this week and play as well as we can."

While the victory may not have done much to boost finals prospects, it would no doubt have come as welcome relief to coach Brian Smith, who has come under fire as a result of last year's grand finalists' stunning fall.

Ryles denied Smith was showing the strain of the poor run, but admitted the veteran mentor would sleep a little easier following the breakthrough win.

"He's been doing it for a long time now so he knows how to deal with it," Ryles said of the negative headlines directed at Smith.

"When he comes to training with us he's been fine.

"Poor old Smithy - we go out there and don't perform and he cops the brunt of it.

"It's not through lack of trying, he's working really hard just like the rest of us - he'd be able to get a few nights good sleep this week."

Meanwhile Ryles said he was keen to run around again next season, and is set to open talks about extending his stay with the club.

The 32-year-old has been limited to just 12 games in 2011 due a persistent hamstring complaint, but has now been on the paddock for seven consecutive weeks.

"I haven't even thought about it to be honest," Ryles said of negotiating a new contract for 2012.

"I'll get George (manager George Mimis) to hit Noycie (Roosters chief executive Steve Noyce) up and see how we go.

"My body feels fine and we've got a lot of good young frontrowers coming through.

"I'm more than happy to play behind those guys and just help them do as I say not as I did ... I'm pretty keen to keep working with them."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP