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    Media release

    TAFE NSW Ryde | 6 October 2025

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    Students prepare Accor Stadium ground ahead of NRL Grand Final

    “I grew up playing sport and always loved the atmosphere, so working in a sporting industry had great appeal for me. Being a part of the team that prepares the field for games such as the NRL Grand Final is a great experience.”

    Wade Buhler, student of Certificate III in Sports Turf Management

    Two TAFE NSW Certificate III in Sports Turf Management students have gained valuable practical experience assisting in the preparation of Accor Stadium for the NRL Grand Final.

    Second-year apprentices, Luke Urkanci and Wade Buhler, formed part of the professional grounds team for the event. The team was responsible for delivering a high-performance playing surface for what is one of the biggest events on the sporting calendar.

    Using their training and specialist turf management techniques, they contributed to creating a world-class field, ready for elite competition.

    Students Luke Urkanci and Wade Buhler lean casually against a turf management tractor. It’s a blue sky, sunny day. They are both smiling at the camera under sun caps and wear beige pants, and blue and green long-sleeved polo shirts. Sunglasses are perched on their visors.

    Luke, 20, is a former rugby league player who brings his passion for the game into his turf management career.

    “Preparing the grounds requires a blend of science and art. I love showing what we can do with grass and being part of this process, especially with my footy background.”

    Wade, 27, who also grew up playing sport, said working on such a high-profile event was both exciting and rewarding.

    “I grew up playing sports and always loved the atmosphere, so working in the sporting industry had a great appeal for me. Being a part of the team that prepares the field for games such as the NRL Grand Final is a great experience.”

    Stories like this highlight how TAFE NSW continues to connect students with real-world, career-defining opportunities.

    Media contact: Karen Farrell, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.



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