Konrad Hurrell has begun his first pre-season on Australian soil in warm conditions and says it will put him in better shape than ever heading into 2017.
The 25-year old joined the Titans in Round 14 of the 2016 NRL season after 71 matches for the New Zealand Warriors, and says the difference in a Gold Coast November and an Auckland November has made him work extra hard at pre-season training.
"Very warm ... the body doesn't really like it but it's good to be back,"Hurrell told media at Parkwood today.
"It's nice and hot and I guess this type of weather will get you fitter."
Jokingly the Tongan-born centre told reporters he is still trying to recover from the first day of training that reached temperatures in the 30s.
"It was tough and not really used to the heat but we'll get there soon.
"Tough start but you've got to train hard to win the comp."
Despite many saying the Titans are in for a big 2017 Hurrell says the side is focussed on getting fit and getting ready for round one and a crack at next year's Auckland Nines title.
"This kind of heavy breathing I'm doing in this weather will help me towards the back end of games where I'm blowing a bit."
Hurrell also spoke about linking up with Jarryd Hayne and Nathan Peats for their first pre-season on the Gold Coast, and what will be driving the team in 2017.
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