Newcastle surfer Duncan McNicol is one of the top seeds at the Rip Curl GromSearch National Series at Maroubra Beach. He scored a solid win in the second round at in 1.5 metre surf. The winner of the series qualifies for the national final in Victoria in autumn. The winner of the final will compete in the international final which runs as a specialty event as part of the annual Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach during Easter.