Hazem sets another record … and looks for more
Adrian Proszenko | May 31, 2009
HAZEM EL MASRI will today equal fellow Bulldogs legend Terry Lamb's record for the most grade games played - and has not ruled out adding another year's worth.
The 33-year-old El Masri holds just about every record for the club and will equal Lamb's 357 games against Newcastle at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
Jason Taylor's point-scoring record was a monkey on his back until he finally broke it against Manly in round one, but he says the latest milestone "snuck up" him.
"It's awesome, it's another milestone that I'm very proud of," El Masri told The Sun-Herald yesterday. "In the future I'll look back on it as a great achievement. It's a massive achievement to equal the record.
"Terry has always been a legend of the club, the whole community of the Canterbury district looks up to Terry. For me, he's one player whose footsteps I've tried to follow in."
El Masri has set numerous club and league records. He holds the game's point-scoring record, has joined the elite 300 NRL-game club and is No.7 on the list of all-time try scorers. But perhaps the most impressive statistic is this - 13 years at the top, zero indiscretions. And the devout Muslim, one of the game's true ambassadors, did not rule out playing for another season.
"I'm enjoying my footy so if things are going good I may keep doing it," he said. "We'll see how I go over the next month or so and make a decision then."
Lamb played for Wests and the Bulldogs. El Masri's games have all been with the Bulldogs.
"Loyalty is still there - the Bulldogs have been good to me and vice versa," he said. "I've always wanted to stick around and it's been awesome to be able to have the career all at the one club.
"Last year was tough, it was tough for everyone. The fact that I had a few injuries and then running last wasn't pleasing.
"But we're a club that are renowned for bouncing back from adversity, so we've done that well.
"Fresh signings, fresh blood, younger guys coming up, a new coach, new CEO. It's been wonderful to be a part of this, they're all good blokes.
"You enjoy turning up to training and it's a complete turnaround. The club has skyrocketed, from off the field to on the field. Hopefully we can continue doing that."
He came to Australia with his family in the 1980s. His main passion was soccer, but he has set rugby league records that might never be surpassed.
"From the moment I came to rugby league it's been a rise to the top," he said.
"I have to thank everyone around me, and thank God for letting me stay fit and healthy.
"I hope [the records] stay for a while but records are there to be broken in life. I'll just enjoy what I've achieved. When the time comes for someone else, you need to step aside and let them enjoy the glory."
League HQ
Adrian Proszenko | May 31, 2009
HAZEM EL MASRI will today equal fellow Bulldogs legend Terry Lamb's record for the most grade games played - and has not ruled out adding another year's worth.
The 33-year-old El Masri holds just about every record for the club and will equal Lamb's 357 games against Newcastle at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
Jason Taylor's point-scoring record was a monkey on his back until he finally broke it against Manly in round one, but he says the latest milestone "snuck up" him.
"It's awesome, it's another milestone that I'm very proud of," El Masri told The Sun-Herald yesterday. "In the future I'll look back on it as a great achievement. It's a massive achievement to equal the record.
"Terry has always been a legend of the club, the whole community of the Canterbury district looks up to Terry. For me, he's one player whose footsteps I've tried to follow in."
El Masri has set numerous club and league records. He holds the game's point-scoring record, has joined the elite 300 NRL-game club and is No.7 on the list of all-time try scorers. But perhaps the most impressive statistic is this - 13 years at the top, zero indiscretions. And the devout Muslim, one of the game's true ambassadors, did not rule out playing for another season.
"I'm enjoying my footy so if things are going good I may keep doing it," he said. "We'll see how I go over the next month or so and make a decision then."
Lamb played for Wests and the Bulldogs. El Masri's games have all been with the Bulldogs.
"Loyalty is still there - the Bulldogs have been good to me and vice versa," he said. "I've always wanted to stick around and it's been awesome to be able to have the career all at the one club.
"Last year was tough, it was tough for everyone. The fact that I had a few injuries and then running last wasn't pleasing.
"But we're a club that are renowned for bouncing back from adversity, so we've done that well.
"Fresh signings, fresh blood, younger guys coming up, a new coach, new CEO. It's been wonderful to be a part of this, they're all good blokes.
"You enjoy turning up to training and it's a complete turnaround. The club has skyrocketed, from off the field to on the field. Hopefully we can continue doing that."
He came to Australia with his family in the 1980s. His main passion was soccer, but he has set rugby league records that might never be surpassed.
"From the moment I came to rugby league it's been a rise to the top," he said.
"I have to thank everyone around me, and thank God for letting me stay fit and healthy.
"I hope [the records] stay for a while but records are there to be broken in life. I'll just enjoy what I've achieved. When the time comes for someone else, you need to step aside and let them enjoy the glory."
League HQ
