Titmuss returned to pre-season training weighing 116.9 kilograms – an increase from 112.3 kilograms two months earlier when his 2020 season finished. An autopsy found Titmuss’ weight to be more than 119 kilograms.

The inquest will examine the appropriateness of the response of Manly’s players and support staff to Titmuss’ medical emergency, and whether the training was too intense for his level of fitness. Casselden said there were “apparent and striking” similarities with the case of another former NRL player Lloyd Perrett, who suffered heatstroke three years earlier during the Sea Eagles’ first pre-season training session.

Casselden said Perrett was a similar size to Titmuss, but his temperature cooled quickly when ice was applied to parts of his body, including neck and groin.

No ice or cooling devices were given to Titmuss at the training facility and the inquest heard Sydney Academy of Sport doctor Tony Delaney rushed to the dojo, where he applied a paper bag over Titmuss’ face, which he thought would help with his breathing.

Former teammate Josh Schuster reported conditions inside the dojo as “stuffy and humid” on the day of Titmuss’ death as players completed a short session of ball work.

Casselden said the doors to the dojo were open, but it’s unclear whether fans were on at the time. He said it was likely none of the players or coaching staff recognised Titmuss was suffering from exertional heatstroke.

The temperature at nearby Terrey Hills on the day of Titmuss’ death reached a maximum of 24.9 degrees, but humidity was at 92 per cent at 9am.

Titmuss was taken to Northern Beaches Hospital and later Royal North Shore Hospital, where he was pronounced dead after a cardiac arrest.

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Schuster will be one of the first to appear in front of deputy state coroner Derek Lee later on Monday.

The Sea Eagles posthumously named Titmuss their 623rd top grade player and awarded a jersey with the number on it to his family.

The inquest continues.