Update: Joel Parkinson has pulled out of the event with a knee injury. He has been replaced by Dusty Payne in the draw (see below)

Tier-coded draw thanks to Mike Jordan @ WSL

Owen Wright & Bede Durbidge– both OUT

Its a shame that both these WCT heavyweights are still on the bench, especially Owen, who made an absolute spectacle of Cloudbreak in 2015. It would have been great to see him don the jersey and make a timely comeback into the 2016 season, but I guess it wasnt meant to be. We wish him and Durbo both speedy recoveries!

Owen will again be replaced by Stu Kennedy (current world number 16) and Bede will be replaced by Sebastien Zietz (current world number 4) – aren’t they just making the most of it!

Taj Burrow – IN

Well, that was a little bit cheeky! Bowing out from the CT on his home soil of West Oz, but then – hang on – a chance to surf prime time Cloudbreak with only one other guy out? Sure, dont mind if I do! But seriously, he deserves it. He probably only bailed on Rio because he was gonna get some serious stink-eye from his babymama.

Kai Otton – IN

A mysterious absentee from Brasil, now quietly shuffled back into the draw for Fiji. And just in time too; did we mention Cloudbreak has been pumping? Kai’s addition comes at the cost of Leonardo, who is OUT.

Kelly Slater – IN

You could be forgiven for thinking maybe Kelly has just fizzled out on the tour this year, what with all his other projects on the go. But come on, this is Cloudbreak were talking about, and Kelly is still a freakishly competitive animal. He wants nothing more to be on tour with his buddies, tucking into perfect Pacific caves, with the whole world watching him live.

Mick Fanning – IN

Just re-read what we wrote about Taj, Parko, Ottz and Kelly: Cloudbreak, pumping, empty, buddies, warm water, etc., etc. Mick is just relying on select events requalify for next year – why wouldn’t you pick Fiji as one of them?