Kelly says another slow start won't cut it for Roosters

Sydney Roosters superstar Isabelle Kelly says her side is eyeing a fast start to their NRLW campaign after limping to the grand final last season.

The Tricolours dropped two of three games in their inaugural year after they were dubbed title favourites, including a shock 10-4 to the Warriors, who they play at AAMI Park on Saturday to open the season. 

But a 26-point victory over the Dragons in the final round meant they progressed to grand final day in 2018 on points differential.

"We just didn't go into last year with all heart and at a full pace," Kelly told NRL.com.

"We tried to ease into it thinking we could come away with the win. In a short competition you can't afford to do that.

Rick Stone just wants us always competing and to never be complacent. I like that and it just pushes you to be better

Isabelle Kelly

"Whether we just thought it would happen because of the players we had, I'm not sure.

"But the girls who were here last year have really tried to drill it into the new players that it's not an easy competition and you need to hit the ground running straight away."

The Roosters have upped the ante with their preparations ahead of Saturday's clash at AAMI Park with an opposed session against the club's Jersey Flegg extended squad.

Their destination in round two is unknown until week one of the NRL finals is completed.

"I think getting away to Melbourne and spending time together will help the girls learn more about each other," Kelly said.

"Having the extra week has prepared everyone. We've got a few girls who haven't played in the NRLW before but I think the standard and the way we're training and competing on everything has improved.

"Rick Stone has been awesome in that aspect, he's good at teaching girls how to learn. He just wants us always competing and to never be complacent. I like that and it just pushes you to be better."

Kelly was arguably one of the best players for the Tricolours but noticeably struggled in an attacking structure that lacked fluency last year.

It didn't stop her collecting individual accolades though, most noticeably the inaugural women's RLIF Golden Boot award.

Repeating that effort is now the next challenge for the Central Coast product.

"I was happy with how I've performed since coming back from injury with CRL Newcastle," Kelly said.

"If I can just do my job for the team I'll be happy and we're all really determined to go one better this year. Our combinations are going well and we've got a lot of players who can slot in anywhere and do a job."