They're the hometown heroes looking to use their local knowledge against the best surfers on the planet when the World Surf League's Newcastle Cup kicks off on Thursday.
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Merewether surfers Ryan Callinan, Julian Wilson, Philippa Anderson, Morgan Cibilic and Jackson Baker will carry the hopes of the Hunter in a field which includes world champions Stephanie Gilmore, John John Florence, Tyler Wright, Gabriel Medina, Italo Ferreira and Carissa Moore.
To read Ian Kirkwood's report click here