Bulldogs winger Hazem El Masri has today been named the Harvey Norman Women in League’s inaugural ‘Favourite Son’ at the Harvey Norman Women in League lunch in Sydney.
The Harvey Norman Women in League ‘Favourite Son Award’ will become a feature of the annual Harvey Norman Women in League Round and is presented on behalf of women in the game to an NRL player who embodies the values and qualities of a role model for families and junior players in particular.
NRL Board member Katie Page presented Hazem with the award, a framed family portrait, at today’s Harvey Norman Women in League lunch, which celebrated the contribution of women to the game.
“Chosen on behalf of the women who love the game, voting for the award will become a feature of Women in League lunches each year,” Ms Page said.
“Hazem El Masri sets the standard for future nominees, he embodies everything that is great about the game.
“Through the award we are looking to honour players like Hazem, players who impress us on the field but who also act as role models for mothers and families.
“Players whose integrity, reputation and strong personal standards encourage family participation in the game.
“It is appropriate that Hazem’s wife Arwa is here, as she, and thousands of others like her, are being recognised today for their immense contribution to the game and it is players of Hazem’s calibre that make all their efforts so worthwhile.”
In his 14-year NRL career, Hazem has proven an inspiration to fans on and off the field.
He has played more than 300 games for the Bulldogs and in March became the highest point scorer of all time, cementing his place as one of the greatest goal kickers.
Hazem is a devoted family man whose tireless community work with young people saw him receive the prestigious Ken Stephen Medal in 2002.
Today’s lunch was the second of four Harvey Norman Women in League functions to be held throughout June to acknowledge and thank the many women involved in the game, as well as to encourage them to develop professional careers in Rugby League.
A lunch will also be staged in Brisbane on Thursday, June 11 in the lead up to this weekend’s third annual Harvey Norman Women in League Round, which will see all NRL clubs acknowledging and celebrating the role of women in the game at matches across the weekend.
The fourth and final Harvey Norman Women in League function will feature the NSW Aussie Blues at the Central Coast on June 17.
Click here to find out more about the Harvey Norman Women in League program, and the Women in League Round
You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content
National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
