Watch the video tribute to Hazem El Masri's career
Detailed plans are in place to celebrate the milestone. Special event fireworks will be ready should the record be broken, there’ll be a unique post-match presentation to Hazem with the record breaking ball and commemorative t-shirts and memorabilia will also go on sale after the game.
If destiny prevents the record being broken on Saturday night, planned celebrations will carry over to future matches.
“I’d like to encourage all fans of Rugby League to get out and show their support for one of our game’s true heroes,” Mr Greenberg said.
“This record is likely to stand unchallenged for many years. We are on the brink of witnessing a great moment in Rugby League history.
“He may do it this weekend, he may do it next weekend but it is without doubt a sporting moment that shouldn’t be missed.”
Current record holder Andrew Johns has wished El Masri well ahead of the game.
“I couldn’t think of a better bloke to break the record, good luck to him for Saturday night,” Johns said.
NRL Chief Executive Mr David Gallop is also encouraging fans to be a part of Rugby League history.
“Hazem is one of those characters who is respected by everyone for what he does both on the field and off the field,” Mr Gallop said.
“The chance to see him close in on an incredible point scoring record is something that every true fan would wish to be a part of and it’s a moment that certainly deserves a big crowd.”
Watch the video tribute to Hazem El Masri's career
Fast facts:
- Hazem currently has 2170 points, the record stands at 2176 points.
- Hazem has averaged 10 points per game since taking over full-time kicking duties from Daryl Halligan in 2001.
- Hazem has finished as the NRL’s leading pointscorer five times: 2002-04, 2006-07.
- Hazem holds the record for most points by an individual in one season: 342 points in 29 games (16 tries, 139 goals) in 2004.
- At the start of his kicking career Hazem spent four hours per week practicing his kicking. With the technique now refined he spends approximately half an hour per week on kicking.
- The record is likely to remain unchallenged for many years. Outside of Hazem, Craig Fitzgibbon is the closest current player to the record (1498 points points). With his career average of 6.2 points per game, he would require another 3-4 years of top level football to break the record.
