The Summer Bash has been and gone, but there are still some performances that are well and truly in the minds of supporters after some excellent rugby over the two days.
Here are six players who caught our attention during the Championship event.
Cory Aston – Sheffield Eagles
After emerging in the Championship several years ago, both Leeds and Castleford have had a closer look at the halfback over the last two years.
So far, he’s struggled to establish himself at either of those clubs, but his performance for Sheffield on Saturday may very well have made Daryl Powell take notice.
Aston scored a hat-trick for the Eagles in their win over Barrow, with his running game coming to the fore in a very impressive display.
Still only 23, Aston appears to have matured physically since his move to the Tigers, while his abilities close to the line were incredibly sharp too.
If he keeps performing like that, you’d have to wonder whether he’ll come into Powell’s thinking.
Scott Murrell – Halifax
The 32-year-old rolled back the years as he put in a masterful performance to help Halifax to a pivotal win over Featherstone.
Over the years, Murrell has proved to a big-game player for Fax, and he came to the fore again as he scored two crucial tries to brighten their top four prospects.
Murrell’s kicking game, work in defence and general leadership is invaluable to Fax, and they’ll be far, far happier for him stating that he feels like he’s got a few more years left in the legs.
Now, he has a chance to lead them to a third top-four finish in four years.
Matty Russell – Toronto Wolfpack
It wouldn’t be unfair to say that Russell’s arrival raised a few eyebrows.
Toronto’s backline has impressed this year, especially winger Liam Kay.
But Russell has already started to vindicate his capture and was Toronto’s best performer on Saturday.
He defended astutely, carried the ball in well and made some breaks.
It’s great to see him back doing what he does best, and Toronto are benefitting from that.
Mark Kheirallah – Toulouse Olympique
Social media was as awash with praise for Toulouse’s starman as he put in an absolutely mesmeric performance for Olympique.
The French international was named the Championship’s best player in our countdown last week, and he vindicated that label with a performance of the highest quality.
Not only did he score two tries, but he illuminated Blackpool with numerous long-range breaks, with one particular effort creating a splendid opening try.
Many Super League fans were calling on their clubs to try and land the 28-year-old. You can’t blame them either.
Josh Woods – Swinton Lions
Swinton finally picked up their first win of the season, and they did so in style as they eased to victory over Rochdale.
Key to that was Woods, the halfback who brought calm to the Lions and excellently guided them around the field.
The Wigan youngster looks like a fine talent, one the Lions can gain from in the short-term, and Wigan in years to come.
Daniel Igbinedion – Dewsbury Rams
The former Cas man starred in this match, with his supreme athletic ability there for all to see.
His carries caused Batley problems all game, and he scored a superb solo effort as he simply proved too quick and too strong for four or five Batley defenders.
Igbinedion is still only 23, and he looks like he could have a bright future in the game.
