The Sydney Roosters have taken the first step in putting behind them the disasterous 2016 NRL season with a win at the Auckland Nines.

The Roosters were pushed all the way in the final by Penrith, who scored two second half tries but needed Darren Nicholls to convert the final try to send the match in  extra time.

Roosters forward Aidan Guerra (pictured)  and his team mates know this is only the start of the season but nonetheless, after last season they’ll take all the wins they can get.