New South Welshman James Nitties has taken the second round lead at the Mazda NSW Open being played at the Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club.

Greeted by sweltering condition, Nitties went on to shoot 6-under 66 to be 13-under the card and top the leaderboard.

"It was just a cruisey day aside from sweating like a wilder beast out there," said Nitties.  

"I played solid, made just one hiccup, I hit an average shot into a trap on the 7th and received a plugged lie, I proceeded to hit it on the green and three putt so it wasn’t that good."

"I chipped in off the back on the 9th and that got my momentum going again. It was good after making a double bogey to make a birdie and turn under par."

It was on the back nine that Nitties started to heat up, making five birdies thanks to a new putting grip.

"I changed my putting grip at the start of the week, so it’s been good," said Nitties.

"It’s sort of that honeymoon period of something different."

While he may take a one shot lead into the weekend Nitties won’t be resting on his laurels.

"I feel like I have played good but not outstanding, I’m still need to make plenty of birdies on the weekend. Hopefully I can keep going deep."

"I always wanted to win the NSW Open; I am definitely not underestimating anyone that is up around the lead especially a young guy playing really good golf."

Amateur Justin Warren continued to enjoy his time at the Mazda NSW Open firing a second round 5-under 67 to be just one shot off the lead.

"I am pretty excited, it’s the best golf I have ever played so it’s a pretty good feeling," said Warren.

"I was hitting the ball really well so I was just aiming at flags and making birdies."

"I am having so much fun out there so I am just going to enjoy it."

Showing he has the game to mix it with the Pros, Warren plans to remain an amateur and try to win the Australian Amateur, the same title his grandfather Barry won in 1957.

"I still have a lot I want to achieve as an amateur. I would love to win an Australian Amateur, my pop won it and I would love to have my name on the same trophy as him," added Warren.

"I am playing really well so I would love him to come out and see me tomorrow."

Playing in the morning field New Zealander Josh Geary fired a second round 4-under 68 to be 10-under the card and outright third.

A further shot back and rounding out the top-5 are Nathan Green and Matthew Millar.

The second round cut was made at even par with 57 Professionals and 13 amateurs making the weekend rounds.

The third round will tee off at 7am with the leaders on course at 11am.

Round 2 Scores   Round 3 Tee Times