In the 36 year history of professional surfing at Newcastle there has never been a local winner of the men's event.
WSL
The city of Newcastle may not be as well known as Sydney but it is home to many of surfings legends. From 4 time World Champion Mark Richards to 97' Bells Champion Matt Hoy, Newcastle is a city built on core surfing talent. World Number 9 on the Championship Tour, Ryan Callinan, is the most current surfer to represent Merewether.
In the 36 year history of professional surfing at Newcastle there has never been a local winner of the men's event.
It may not have the same reputation as Margaret River and Bells Beach, but Merewether can certainly hold its own.
A novelty left rip bowl formed after a 40,000-ton coal ship was grounded at Nobby's beach in 2007.
Wilko's Infamous 2016 Newcastle victory propelled his back-to-back Championship Tour wins at Snapper and Bells.