The Bulldogs are inviting all fans to help create history by joining retiring Club legend Hazem El Masri on field for a giant commemorative photo after his final home game (v New Zealand Warriors at 3pm) this Sunday.
Reflecting the high regard held for Hazem it will be the first time ever that fans will be allowed onto the hallowed ANZ Stadium turf after a Rugby League match and it is just one of many exciting initiatives the Bulldogs have in place to celebrate his enormous contribution to the game.
In another unique tribute 5,500 fans will join together to unveil placards with a special message for Hazem just prior to kick-off on the eastern side of the ground.
In an acknowledgement of Hazem’s extensive work in the community, thousands of people from the Bulldogs’ and the NRL’s community partners – including Camp Quality, Landcare, RSPCA, Westmead Hospital and the Salvation Army have been invited to join in the celebrations and watch the game from a themed ‘Community Corner’ at the northern end of the Stadium.
And in recognition of Hazem’s status as the ‘Favourite Son’ of the Women in League the Bulldogs will host 200 women involved with the Club at a special function on the day. Guests, including Hazem’s wife Arwa, will enjoy food and drinks while making the most of crèche facilities and three minute ‘Angel Massages’.
On top of this the Bulldogs have an affordable range of ticket offers available to encourage fans from right across the game to join in the celebrations. These include:
- Free entry for all Members of an NRL Club
- Free entry for all kids 15 and under
- Providing ‘Thanks Haz’ t-shirts to anyone who purchases a category two ticket into Bay 110 on the eastern side of the ground
- Continuation of the Bulldogs year long $40 family General Admission ticket
In a sign of the excitement building for the game several thousand messages have already been written for inclusion in a Book of Tributes that will be delivered to Hazem at the Bulldogs presentation dinner later this year.
Messages have come from people in every Australian state, from fans of every NRL Club and from people who don’t even follow the game. Their messages are to a ‘role model’, a ‘shining light’ a ‘legend’ and an ‘inspiration’.
Anyone still wishing to write a message to Hazem can do so at nrl.com/hazem.
“Clearly Hazem has had a major impact on our Club and our game and we’d like as many people as possible to come and join us in celebrating his amazing career, he is one of Rugby League’s true heroes,” said Bulldogs Chief Executive Mr Todd Greenberg.
“He will be remembered for his outstanding achievements as a footballer, for his strong family values and for his commitment to making a positive difference in the community. On Sunday we’ll honour his contributions in each of these areas, it’s going to be a great day out.”
Click here to purchase tickets to the clash
Click here to view about all the celebrations this Sunday at Hazem's last home game
EL MASRI RECORDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
NRL Records
- Most NRL Points – 313 games – 159 tries – 874 goals – 2384 points
- Most Points in a season – 342 – 16 tries – 139 goals – in 2004
- Most Goals in a season – 139 in 2004
- Most Consecutive Goals – 35 in 2003
- Most Consecutive NRL Games – 2nd behind Jason Taylor (194) with 174 games
- Most Tries for a NRL Club – 3rd behind Ken Irvine (171 for Norths) & Andrew Ettingshausen (165 for Cronulla) with 159 tries
Hazem has scored 200 points in a season on 7 occasions 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007 & 2009
Bulldogs Records
- Most Club Games – 368
- Most NRL Games – 313
- Most Points for the Club – 2544 – 194 tries – 884 goals
- Most Tries for the Club - 194
- Most NRL Tries – 159
- Most Points in a Game – 34
Representative Career
- City Origin - 5 Caps (2001 - 2007)
- NSW Blues - 1 Cap (2007)
- Lebanon Cedars - 3 Caps (2000 Rugby League World Cup)
- Australian Kangaroos - 1 Cap (2002)
Achievements:
- Ambassador for Premiers Reading Challenge
- Ambassador for Anti-Discrimination Board Postcards Programme
- Ambassador for NSW Government’s Stop Violence Against Women campaign
- NRL Ken Stephen Medal Winner, 2002
- Named as one of Sydney’s 100 Most Influential People – Sydney Magazine, 2009
- Role Model of the Year – Lebanese Association of NSW, 2009
- Women in League Favourite Son Award, 2009
Click here to purchase tickets to the clash
Click here to view about all the celebrations this Sunday at Hazem's last home game
