NRL: Konrad Hurrell feeling the heat

Konrad Hurrell of the Titans in action during the round 22 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the New Zealand Warriors. Photo / Getty

The toughest pre-season of Konrad Hurrell's NRL career could be what he requires to fulfil his rugby league potential.

While many players claim to be enduring the toughest summer slog of their career, Hurrell means it.

In Auckland, where Hurrell was previously based until midway through last season with the Warriors, the average November temperature is 16 degrees.

The Titans returned to training last week at Parkwood, where the mercury reached 28, before nudging 30 degrees over the weekend.

"It's just so hot," Hurrell said.

"I've never had a pre-season away from Auckland."

Perhaps that is just what Hurrell needs to get the best out of his 104kg frame.

Despite having the potential to bust any game wide open, former Warriors coach Andrew McFadden often relegated him to reserve grade due to his inconsistent form.

Hurrell thinks the heat on the Gold Coast might just help him run out games better.

"This kind of weather will get you a little bit fitter when it comes to game time," Hurrell said.

"Breathing-wise as well - it's very hard to breathe when it's very hot.

"When it comes to the last 10 minutes of a game, this kind of heavy breathing will get me through the game. It will be good."

At 25, Hurrell has also reached an important time in his career.

By his own admission, he has "probably eaten a bit too much food" in the past and not made the mark on the league many expected him to.

But with the Titans aiming squarely at an era of dominance with a backline featuring Jarryd Hayne and boom half Ashley Taylor, Hurrell has the chance to establish himself in a team that has the potential to do something special on the Gold Coast.

"I'm at the age now where I need to start focusing on footy and play the best footy I could," Hurrell said.

If he finds his best form and holds it, it could well mean the Titans become one of the most dangerous teams on the fringe of the ruck, finding that form and fitness is simply up to Hurrell.

- AAP