Update

But Benzema’s volley was a contender for goal of the season and confirmed his place among some of the greatest strikers in Real’s history and making sure he was the best amongst the best strikers in Real Madrids football club history.

There was plenty of positives for Hazard too – his partnership with Benzema is blossoming and his assist for the Frenchman’s first set Real on their way.

Kashmir.

“Rohit Sharma is my role model because of the way he gives the Indian team a start. It’s amazing,” the 19-year-old Haider told reporters.

“Whether it’s a Test, one-day international or a Twenty20, he comes with a thinking and takes the attack to the bowlers. I want to give the same start to the Pakistan team.”

Haider broke into Pakistan’s 29-member squad for the forthcoming England tour following several notable performances – including a losing half-century against India in the semifinal of the ICC Junior World Cup in South Africa earlier this year.

Matches between India and Pakistan stalled in the wake of the 2008 terror attack in Mumbai, although the old foes face off occasionally in multinational events.

India’s Rohit has soared in recent years, having hit three double-hundreds in one-day internationals, including a world record 264.

He also holds the record for hitting the most sixes in Twenty20 internationals – a staggering 127.

Still, Haider’s cross-border compliment is not unprecedented.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli often praises Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir, while Pakistan batsman Babar Azam is well-liked in India. Haider said he admired Rohit’s consistent, aggressive style. “Once he reaches 50 he thinks for 100, and on 100 he thinks of 150,” the youngster said. played against Brisbane, who were two from two and rated by most tipsters as a top-four team. Most picked them to beat us.

“But we beat them. We played Manly who are going really well and Tommy Trbojevic is leading the Dally M, and Penrith were undefeated and also playing good footy when we met.

“Now we’ve got the Roosters followed by Canberra. The boys know we’re going OK, but they know it’s still not good enough.

“The players are the ones driving the accountability and ownership, and while I see that I’m not concerned.’’

The Eels thundered home in 2017 to grab fourth place but bowed out in straight sets to the Storm and North Queensland. That summer, Arthur sensed a few players believing the hype around the club heading into 2018 – but there has been nothing like that this time.

“You can see it and smell it at training, but it’s certainly not happening with this group,” Arthur said.

The Eels have not won a premiership in 34 years but will rocket to the top of betting if they beat the Roosters - who have one less day to prepare because of Canterbury’s COVID-19 scare – and title heavyweights the Raiders.

NRL.com