Despite still recovering from a quad strain, Roosters prop Jason Ryles isn’t shying away from the chance to mix it with the highly rated Rabbitohs forward pack this Sunday at ANZ Stadium.
In what will be the 200th premiership encounter between the two foundation clubs, the former St George-Illawarra and Catalans forward is relishing the chance to take the field this weekend.
"It's been frustrating only having limited time with the team over the preseason but I've done plenty of them in my time," Ryles told sydneyroosters.com.au
"I feel I've done enough though and so does Smithy obviously, otherwise he wouldn't have selected me in his side.
"For me it's more about being smarter in my preparation for games and the coaching staff recognises this, that's why each player has different training requirements," he said.
It’s Ryles' experience in the NRL - with 156 games under his belt - where Smith hopes to get the most value out of the prop forward this weekend.
"Yeah I have few more games over the other boys in our forward pack," the veteran forward quipped.
"It's my job to lead and give the halves that platform to play off. If we can do that and match them early I think we are more than a chance.
"The work our coaching staff has done in getting everyone up for this game and season has been tremendous. If we can survive an early onslaught we will have fitter legs at the back end of the match," Ryles predicts.
Ryles return to the National Rugby League this Sunday at ANZ Stadium when the Sydney Roosters take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the Ron Coote Cup. The match will be the first NRL Family FunDay game for the year. Take your family to the game for just $40! Click here to find out more
 Jason Ryles : Dream Team Value: $120,300 | Position: Prop Do you want Jason in your Dream Team? Add him today! |
