The Roosters’ prized 2017 recruit managed just four games last season before an anterior cruciate ligament injury claimed him, but supported his new club from the sidelines as assistant coach.

Saunders, who put pen to paper on Wednesday, said his rehabilitation was going smoothly.

“I’m running and all that stuff,” he said. “I’ll be ready come preseason to train.”

Saunders will be a welcome return to the Roosters’ line-up after the Hampden senior footy team bowed out in the semi-finals this year.

“I think, as a group, we know our best footy is good enough,” Saunders said.

The 23-year-old said he enjoyed his first taste of senior footy at a local level and was keen to jump back in.

“I enjoyed watching from the sidelines … (but) it just made me hungry to get out there.”