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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.
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
One of the great quiet achievers for sure.
Should have no problems getting work as a kicking coach for either code!
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Nice little dig"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."![]()
Posted via space
Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.
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.
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.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
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!
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.