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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.

    Luke Urkanci and Wade Buhler were part of the grounds team that prepared Accor Stadium ahead of the NRL Grand Final. The second-year apprentices used their training and specialist turf management skills to help deliver a high-performance playing surface fit for the game’s biggest stage.

    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, a former rugby league player, described the experience as a perfect blend of science and art. Wade, who also grew up playing sport, said working on Grand Final preparations had been a fantastic and rewarding experience.

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

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



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