The former Kangaroo was cut down in his prime just after being given the Golden Boot award in 2005, with a number of serious back and neck injuries threatening the end to his glittering career and ensuring he only played 33 games in the past four seasons.

But much like the early season fortunes of the Roosters, the 29-year-old said he felt like he could reproduce his best form in what is a season of rebuilding for the club.

"I'm feeling great, myself and the team have had a really good pre-season, so we're looking for a positive season this year," Minichiello said.

"I obviously got injured at the top of my game, but I feel if my body is right, and it's right, that I can compete at a really good level and play well for the Roosters."

The one-team star said the impact new coach Brian Smith has had on the club could not be underestimated, as the tri-colours look to turn around one of their worst seasons on and off the field in their proud history.

"I have said before I have been at the club 14 years and it's the first time they've completely changed the coaching staff, so it was like a new club the first day we walked in for pre-season," he said.

"It's a positive feeling in camp at the moment and all of the players are feeling really good about what has happened in the couple of pre-season games so far."

Minichiello was joined by Shaun Kenny-Dowall during their brief Griffith visit where they visited Yoogali and Hanwood Public Schools, with the newly re-badged centre saying he is looking to add to his single New Zealand appearance.

"It's definitely something that I want to do more this year, and now I have moved to the centres this year I think I can do that, even though I'm still learning the ins and outs of centre," Kenny-Dowall said.

"But it's something that I aspire to do in the future, and I think I can do it under some of the good coaching I have been given from Smithy (Brian Smith)."