League: More records for El Masri

Hazem El Masri continues to rewrite the Bulldogs record books in the NRL.

The deadly accurate goal-kicking winger guided his side to a 38-22 win over Newcastle at Telstra Stadium, scoring a hat-trick and kicking five goals for 22 points.

Already the holder of the Bulldogs all-time point scoring mantle, El Masri has now surpassed Terry Lamb as the leading try scorer with 124, while his final goal of the night was his 600th in the NRL.

The Storm remain at the top of the table after beating the Roosters 20-16 in Melbourne, while the Raiders have edged past the Rabbitohs 24-22 in Canberra.

Meanwhile the Warriors will have their hands full trying to contain Broncos flyer Tame Tupou in this afternoon's clash at Ericsson Stadium in Auckland.

Tupou is scoring at a rate of one a game so far for 2006.

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said they will need to keep a wary eye on him, but cannot let themselves get carried away with stopping one player.

Cleary said if they control the ball well it will limit Tupou's opportunities.

He said they will have to come with plenty of aggression but it will be more about how the Warriors control their own game.

Another new midfield combination will start this afternoon's match, but they are not completely untested.

Wairangi Koopu will join Simon Mannering at centre, after Todd Byrne's broken arm forced Tony Martin to shift to the wing.

Ivan Cleary said they had a chance to preview the pairing last weekend and he has no concerns over shifting Koopu.

Shane Webcke has been forced out through injury.

Kick off is at 2pm.

- NEWSTALK ZB