Rugby league's greatest try assists

Nathan Friend's phenomenal pass led to a superb Warriors try

Nathan Friend's back flip pass is one the greatest pieces of skill you are ever likely to see on a rugby league field.

What's more amazing is that it actually led to a crucial try in the Warriors' 28-14 win over Melbourne Storm.

The Herald looks at seven impossible try assists.

1. Jake Mamo - Newcastle Knights v Cronulla Sharks

This stunning effort came just a few weeks ago in the NRL. Mamo's kick looked to be going dead but he jumped from the field play and flicked the ball back in mid-air for Carlos Tuimavave to gleefully touchdown for the Knights. Unfortunately for them, the Sharks fought back to win 30-28.

2. Rangi Chase - Salford Red Devils v Hull FC
English Kiwi player Chase showed what he's capable of with some outstanding handling skills. He bamboozled Hull's defenders to set up a try for Josh Griffin in the Super League earlier this year - a brief glimpse of why England pushed to have him as a halfback.

3. Greg Inglis - Australia v New Zealand

The centenary test in 2008 produced a moment of skill fit for the occasion. Inglis is about to gather Jonathan Thurston's kick in goal for the game's first try but he's flying off the pitch so what does he do? He flicks the ball back over his head for Mark Gasnier to score.

4. Dean Whare - England v New Zealand

There aren't many occasions bigger than a World Cup semi-final at Wembley. Back in 2013 England were leading 8-0 after half an hour when Isaac Luke threw a wild pass out wide to the right that looked to be sailing out of play. Dean Whare leapt off the pitch and flicked the ball back blind, perfectly, right into the arms of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck who scored. Shaun Johnson's try in the final seconds meant the Kiwis won 20-18 to reach the final.

5. Pat Richards - Parramatta Eels v West Tigers

Richards was breaking free down the left, millimetres from the line, on the last tackle but he'd been caught and dragged down to the floor into touch. However, he managed to shin the ball back inside, just as the linesman was about to raise his flag, and James Tedesco touched down to give the Tigers the lead in the 70th minute back in the NRL in April. Richard's improvisation inspired the Tigers to a 22-8 win.

6. Kevin Naiqama - Canterbury Bulldogs v West Tigers

Richard's shin to Tedesco wasn't the first try he'd scored this season on the back of somebody's remarkable improvisation. Kevin Naiqama was chasing a low grubber that looked certain to go dead. He jumped for it, inches off the ground, and his flick back looped up in the air for Tedesco to score.

7. Benji Marshall - West Tigers v North Queensland Cowboys

The Tigers again. They love it. The NRL Grand Final is won on big moments and few can ever recall a bigger moment that Benji Marshall's magical try assist for than man again, Pat Richards, in 2005. The game was level at 6-6 in the first half and Marshall broke clear from fullback leaving the Cowboys chasing shadows. His run angled towards the left and his blind flick pass inside found Richards who did the rest. The Tigers roared to a 30-16 win.