Rugby league legend Hazem El Masri has been charged with serious domestic violence offences, following an incident at his western Sydney home.

The former Bulldogs star was charged on Monday night with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.

"They relate to an incident at his home at about 7.30pm yesterday allegedly involving his 25-year-old wife," a police spokeswoman said.

An AVO application has also been lodged at Bankstown Court for the protection of El Masri's wife, Douah El-Cherif.