Rostyn Griffiths admits coming to the A-League was a slight step back for him but feels it has helped him grow as a player.

The Central Coast Mariners midfielder kicked off his professional career in England with Blackburn Rovers (he also had loan spells with Gretna and Accrington Stanley) in 2006 before returning to Australia to sign with Adelaide United on a short-term deal in 2009.

Since then he has played a season with North Queensland Fury and now finds himself in top form with the Mariners and admits being back in the local competition is helping him develop further.

''I look at myself, I'm 22, and I haven't played a lot of first team football, so I'm a bit disappointed by that,'' he told SMH. ''But that's why I came back. I did all the training in the world at Blackburn, but I wasn't really going anywhere.

"I was loaned out to league two [Accrington Stanley], but that wasn't where I wanted to be. I felt coming back to the A-League, where I'd be playing with better quality players, would be a good place for me to grow. I'm starting to feel like I've turned the corner.''

Griffiths admits the defensive midfield role he has been deployed in by Mariners coach Graham Arnold has been enjoyable and is now keen to continue his solid form for his boss and the team.

"This is a new role for me, but Arnie has worked really hard with me to get a good understanding of it," he added.

"When you know the coach is backing you like that, it gives you so much confidence. It's a pivotal role, there's a lot of responsibility, but I made a vow at the start of the season that this was the time to prove myself, and so far I'm reasonably happy.

"But it's early doors, and I want to carry on. I feel I've still got a lot more to give, especially on the ball.''