Morgan Cibilic was travelling to the Tweed Coast Pro but was still unsure on Friday if he would compete at the Australian Grand Slam event because of a perforated eardrum.
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The Merewether natural-footer saw a specialist on Thursday about the injury he sustained more than two weeks ago when trying to land an aerial maneuver in surf at Bar Beach. The injury can take two months to heal and exposure to water or further hits can prolong recovery or lead to infection.
The 20-year-old championship tour rookie was told he could surf with the help of earplugs to keep water out. He was also going to wear a helmet if he competes in the contest, which could start on Sunday.
"I think I'm surfing but I'm not 100 per cent," Cibilic said. "I'm going to go see another doctor up there.
"[The specialist] said it looks pretty good and I can surf if I want to, but I'm just going to get another opinion. I've just got to plug it up and not get it wet."
The event is part of the World Surf League's Countdown Series, which is filling the void for surfing's elite before a potential return of tour competition. Cibilic was set to debut on the CT this year before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the shutdown of competition.
If he surfs at the Tweed Coast Pro, he takes on fellow Merewether CT star Ryan Callinan and South African Matt McGillivray in round one. Clubmate and qualifying series veteran Philippa Anderson is in the women's event.
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