Solo efforts, acrobatic passes, and an inside ball you have to see to believe. Here are Home Timber and Hardware Hard Plays of the Month for July.
Friend's acrobatics
Nathan Friend is known for his efforts in defence as one of the most dependable, no-fuss hookers going around in the NRL. But he generally leaves the aerial feats and spectacular plays to his outside backs. Against the Storm however, Friend flew high to claim a bomb and passed between his legs while somersaulting mid-air. Shaun Johnson then produced a handy flick pass of his own, before quick hands resulted in a four-pointer to David Fusitu'a in the corner. It's no doubt a contender for try of the season, with Friend going on to make headlines around the world. The Gold Coast-bound hooker credited hours on the trampoline with his kids for the miraculous pass.
Can't stop Koroibete
For a Hard Play, there's no substitute for raw speed and power. Those are two traits Storm winger Marika Koroibete has in spades. Claiming a kick eight metres away from him own try line, the Fiji international raced almost the length of the field to score an incredible try in Melbourne's big win over the Panthers, celebrating Cameron Smith's 300th NRL appearance in style.
You can't do that!
Many were critical of Wayne Bennett converting new Broncos recruit Anthony Milford into a five-eighth at the start of the master coach's second stint at Red Hill, but the former Raiders fullback is beginning to show he's very much the capable playmaker. A no-look inside ball to Darius Boyd put the Brisbane fullback in space, before Boyd linked up with centre Jack Reed, who dived over out wide to extend his side's advantage over Wests Tigers in Round 19.
Raiders run riot
Blake Austin has taken his game to another level in 2015, with his running game in particular devastating sides across the competition. Against the Panthers in Round 20, the five-eighth made a big break right up the middle of the Penrith defence, before passing to Jarrod Croker who in-turn found a rampaging Shaun Fensom, with the Canberra workhorse finishing a handy passage of play.
Untouchable Inglis
South Sydney skipper Greg Inglis was in sublime touch against the Knight in Round 20, scoring a first-half hat-trick to set up his side's impressive victory. The best of the lot came in the 26th minute, with the fullback scything his way through the Newcastle defence. Seemingly brought down five metres from the try line, Inglis managed to keep his balance and his ball-carrying arm from the ground before stretching out to score.
