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Hazem El Masri

Hazem was considered an exciting, unpredictable try-scoring winger, and a phenomenally consistent goal-kicker and would become a role model for a new generation of rugby league fans. Hazem was selected to represent Australia in 2002 Test against New Zealand; this would be his only appearance wearing the green and gold.

Rugby League
  • Status: Pending
    1996
    Debut against Balmain
  • Status: Pending
    2002
    NRL Ken Stephen Medal winner
  • Status: Pending
    2006
    Ambassador for CanTeen

Beginnings

Hazem grew up in Tripoli during the Lebanese civil war before moving to Australia with his family at the age of 11. He began playing soccer at an early age but during his senior years in high school switched to rugby league, joining a local club side the Enfield Federals. In 1994, while at Belmore Boys High, he was invited by the Bulldogs to trial for the Jersey Flegg side. The following year he was quickly elevated to the President's Cup Squad and he would make his debut in the Bulldogs' first grade team in 1996.

Achievements

Hazem would become Rugby League's highest point scorer with a total of 2,418 points.

Post Representation

In 25 Sep 2009 Hazem played in his final Rugby League match and retired following the 2009 season. Going on to use his high profile to promote understanding between the Arabic community and mainstream Australia. In 2012 he was awarded a Honorary Doctorate of Letters at University of Western Sydney in recognition of his distinguished service to the communities of western Sydney and for being a role model in the Arabic community.