NRLW coaches dismiss hot topic ahead of Sydney scorcher

Respective NRLW coaches Ron Griffiths and Karyn Murphy have dismissed talk that the expected hot temperatures on Sunday will be a factor in the grand final.

Both teams were presented to the Sydney crowd at NRL Fan Fest on Friday afternoon with the topic of the heat a big part of the discussion.

Temperatures at Accor Stadium are expected to peak at 36 degrees by kick-off of the NRLW decider with officials discussing the prospect of a drinks break during both halves.

"We haven't spoken about it," Griffiths said of the conditions.

"We've obviously seen the weather reports as a staff but at the end of the day, we've just got to go out and play.

"Whenever you play in any adverse weather conditions it's always going to impact the game but for us, we've just got to get through it.

"At the end of the day, there's not much we can do.

Titans captain Georgia Hale joked the side would be well-equipped to handle the conditions given the club was based in the Sunshine State but Murphy was not overly concerned.

"They'll look at that like they have to look at that with the policy," she said.

"All we'll do is focus on whatever it is out there and play footy like we normally do. Nothing changes from our point of view."

The Knights will go into the 2023 grand final as favourites to secure back-to-back titles but face an in-form Titans side that has benefited from an expanded season this year.

Newcastle beat the Titans 22-10 in their only match-up in the regular season this year with Murphy’s side improving immensely to win four of their last five games.

Part of the Titans’ mission for a maiden NRLW title will be shutting down Dally M medal winner Tamika Upton.

Opposite number Evania Pelite, who herself has enjoyed a stellar season in the No.1 jersey for the Titans, was direct when asked about how to stop her Maroons teammate.

“We know ‘Meeks’ is a really classy player and is one for us to watch out for but we’ve got our game plan we’ve been focusing on hard this week.

“I’m not going to say much about it but we’ve got something up our sleeve.”