The five-time world champion triumphed in the opening race of the series in Abu Dhabi and will be returning to the startline in Australia, having missed the same leg last year.

He will expect to face the challenge of Olympic bronze medallist Henri Schoeman and Richard Murray, both of South Africa, while Australian Jake Birtwhistle will hope to impress in front of a home crowd.

The race on April 8 will take place on a new course at Mitchell Park, which is claimed to be a spectator friendly course.

It will also act as the first the first qualifying race for Australian team selection for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, with Rio 2016 Olympians Ryan Fisher and Ryan Baillie among those seeking places.

Matt Baker, Marcel Walkington and Mooloolaba World Cup winner Luke Willian are expected to be in contention for places as well.

New Zealand’s Andrea Hewitt will look to follow her victory in Abu Dhabi with another success in the women’s elite race.

Bermuda’s Flora Duffy, winner of the WTS Grand Final last year in Cozumel, will also be on the startline with Australian Olympians Ashleigh Gentle, Emma Jackson and Charlotte McShane.

The latter was the country’s highest ranked athlete during the 2016 series, while rising starts Gillian Backhouse and Emma Jeffcoat will also be competing.

The mixed team relay and Para-triathlons will also be held on April 8 before the focus shifts away from the elite athletes the following day.

Age group individual and team competitors will compete on Sunday (April 9) as the event draws to its conclusion.

The competition will be taking place just a few days after Gold Coast celebrates the one-year to go milestone until the Commonwealth Games.

Organisers will be holding a celebration on April 4 at the Surfers Paradise Beach.