Hasim El Masri to Retire at end of Season.

[.X.]

In Rugby League you always here about the boofheads that get in to trouble - this guy is a true gentleman of the game of League and well deserving of the tag of Role Model.

From Foxsports

League's greatest point scorer Hazem El Masri to retire at year's end
By staff writers
June 30, 2009 Hazem El Masri, the most prolific points scorer in the history of rugby league, has announced he will retire at the end of the year.

Known as rugby league's greatest goal kicker, El Masri announced his decision at a press conference on Tuesday.

The Bulldogs winger is one of the most respected figures in the NRL, and he has left an indelible mark on the game holding a number of records.

El Masri has played 305 games for the Bulldogs, a record for the club, and has kicked 851 goals, the most by any player.

He also holds the points-scoring record with 2318, which includes 154 tries.

The points-scoring machine’s record would have been even greater but for playing second fiddle to the club’s other kicking great, Darryl Halligan, for his first five years at the Bulldogs.

"Retirement is not an easy decision," El Masri said.

"I play rugby league because I love it but the time has come for me to make the difficult call that this year will be my last.

"I have enjoyed every high that rugby league has had to offer: I've won a premiership, I've played for my state and for my country and no matter what happens from this point forward, I will retire from playing a happy man.

"I'm so grateful for the support I’ve enjoyed along the way: my wife, my family, staff at the club and the Bulldogs fans have all played a major role in what I’ve achieved.

"I’m honoured to be a role model. I've played the game clean and to the best of my ability and in the face of every challenge I’ve aimed to be strong and loyal on and off the field.

"With this decision now made I look forward to getting on with the rest of the season and helping to make it last as long as possible for everyone at the Bulldogs."

El Masri made his first-grade debut for the Bulldogs in 1996 after being spotted playing for Belmore Boys High School in 1994.

During his glittering career, he played one State of Origin game for New South Wales, one Test for Australia, and three Tests for Lebanon.

He is a devout Muslim widely respected for his work in the community outside the football arena.

[prop53]

Never heard of him ?

[Burgs]

One of the great quiet achievers for sure.
Should have no problems getting work as a kicking coach for either code!

[Flamethrower]

"I’m honoured to be a role model. I've played the game clean and to the best of my ability and in the face of every challenge I’ve aimed to be strong and loyal on and off the field."

Nice little dig

[fulvio sammut]

Well, he has.

He is undoubtedly the most respected man in League today.

He has always comported himself with dignity, self effacement and honour, a true adornment to his game.

Would there were others like him in all codes.

[shasta]

Nice little dig

That's not in his nature. You can take what he says at face value.

I have no doubt he'll be asked to stay in the game to work in a role that will have nothing to do with his ability on the field but everything to do with his character. I won't be surprised if he becomes a leader in the wider community.

A true champion, who would have seen more representative honors had he been a little taller.

[Burgs]

Or South African, the commentators last weekend were ranting about how the first person selected for any team should be the goal kicker.
I alwas thought the school of thought was firrst picked was the Tighthead, then the Reserve Tighthead in SA but anyway...



At least we can fairly safely assume the future won't involve the boxing ring shasta!

[shasta]

At least we can fairly safely assume the future won't involve the boxing ring shasta!

Speaking of which, I wonder what conversations might be going on between Johnny Lewis and Barry Hall's management this week.

[AndyS]

Or South African, the commentators last weekend were ranting about how the first person selected for any team should be the goal kicker.
I alwas thought the school of thought was firrst picked was the Tighthead, then the Reserve Tighthead in SA but anyway...

In fairness, it wasn't the Bok commentators saying that, it was the Lions lad (name eludes me for the moment). I thought at the time that it was a fairly telling statement about how they approach their rugby.