El Masri To Make State Of Origin Debut

[zrealist]

http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=28510

Bulldogs winger Hazem El Masri will make his State of Origin debut next Wednesday night after out of form centre Jamie Lyon withdrew due to injury.

El Masri has been on the edge of selection since 1999 and his debut has been long overdue after outstanding performances for the Bulldogs spanning over 250 first grade appearances.

Lyon today succumbed to a hamstring injury with El Masri's superior goal kicking and consistency getting him the nod ahead of his rivals including Parramatta's Eric Grothe Jnr.

El Masri's State of Origin debut comes five years after making his Test debut. El Masri who hails from the now defunct Enfield Federals club is just the 3rd Canterbury-Bankstown Junior to play State of Origin when at the Bulldogs following in the footsteps of Terry Lamb (1984 - was at Wests when debuted for NSW in 1981) and Steve Folkes (1986).

The Bulldogs will be without El Masri's services for Monday's important clash against the Roosters. Brent Sherwin will take over the goal kicking duties in El Masri's absence and his replacement in the side will be confirmed later.

Congratulations to Hazem El Masri on deserved selection in the NSW State of Origin side and his selection couldn't have happened to a finer ambassador and footballer.