It's the news all fans of pro surfing have been waiting for: Owen Wright will make his return to competitive surfing next month. No, it's not CT level - the Quiksilver Pro doesn't start till mid-March anyway - but the Maitland and Port Stephens Toyota Pro at Newcastle, more commonly known as Surfest.

It'll be the first competitive outing for 27-year-old Wright since he suffered a head trauma at Pipeline on Hawaii’s in December 2015. At that time, Wright was ranked number five in the world and a contender for that year’s world title.

He's since sat out the entire 2016 tour while recuperating and has been granted a wildcard for the 2017 tour conditional upon an independent medical assessment. One would think a strong showing at Surfest would be proof enough of his health.

Wright is no stranger to Surfest, having won the Pro Junior title in 2008. His younger brother Mikey will also be competing, as will his sisters, current world women’s champ Tyler and 2010 Surfest women’s champion Kirby.

Surfest chief Warren Smith said he was thrilled that Owen had entered the event and that world surfing fans are right behind the powerful goofy footer with the razor sharp backhand attack.

“I think the worldwide surfing community will be stoked that Owen Wright feels he is ready to get back in the water to compete. The love and encouragement being expressed for Owen through social media is incredible.

“He and his family have been friends of Surfest since he was a grom and we are extremely pleased to welcome him and his brother Michael back to Newcastle,” Smith said.