Five students from the Sea Eagles Sports Business Academy have been given the opportunity to contribute to the Club’s NRL program, taking on Performance & Training Coordinator internships within the Football Department.
This is one of many examples where students from the Sea Eagles Sports Business Academy – which was launched in April last year – are combining formal education with meaningful, hands-on workplace experience.
Elliot McKenzie, Josh Irving, Ally Bullman, Tim Wilson and Jackson Hill are now working alongside Manly’s High Performance staff across the training week, contributing to the preparation and delivery of sessions at the Penn Centre of Excellence.
Their involvement spans everything from organising equipment and supporting session set-up, to assisting across gym and nutrition operations.
NRL Coaching & Leadership Manager, Aaron Greaves was instrumental in bringing the students on board, something he had done in previous roles when working in the AFL.
“We are very fortunate to have such a high calibre of people involved in the dual diploma program who have the skills, experience and drive to come into our football program and play an important role,” said Greaves.
We want to provide an experience where the students get access to all aspects of the football program.
Aaron Greaves NRL Coaching & Leadership Manager
“This particular group have shown great initiative and a strong desire to forge a career in coaching and high performance.”
Inner Sanctum Experience
Rather than observing from the outside, the group has been brought into the weekly logistics of the training schedule, sitting in on coaching meetings and working closely with staff throughout the week.
“The experience provided by the Sports Business Academy is a once in a lifetime opportunity that has already provided a clearer picture of what working in the NRL looks like.
"With the chance to learn from experienced staff and gain insight into how a professional playing group operates, it really is access you do not get from going to University” - Ally Bullman
“Gaining exposure to athlete preparation has been a key takeaway from this internship so far, the opportunity to see how players are managed both physically and mentally at the top level, has been an inner sanctum experience I would never have received if I didn’t enrol in this program.” - Josh Irving
“The internship has allowed me to continue developing my coaching, while also putting himself in an environment where he can contribute and learn at the same time. I am genuinely grateful for this opportunity offered through the Sports Business Academy program.” - Jackson Hill
“Being involved in the day-to-day operations of the squad has shifted the experience beyond that of a typical internship, with the group trusted to contribute within the high-performance environment.” - Tim Wilson
A step towards a career in sport
The internships reflect the Sea Eagles Sports Business Academy’s focus on creating genuine entry points into the sports industry, giving students access to environments that are typically hard to reach.
Working alongside staff and within the structure of an NRL program provides a level of exposure that extends well beyond the classroom, particularly across high performance and training operations.
“Having student interns has been very beneficial, as it allows our coaches and high-performance staff to focus on their core role," said Greaves.
The students are forward thinkers and bring a great understanding of what is required within a high-performance program.
Aaron Greaves NRL Coaching & Leadership Manager
"They are great assets but importantly they are also learning and developing themselves in the role.”
With the next student intake scheduled for January 2027, opportunities like this continue to highlight what the program can offer students looking to start a career in sport.
To find out more about this exciting program, register now for the upcoming information night.
Written by Manly Sea Eagles SBA student, Hugo Roach
