'As good as it gets': Greats rave over Latrell Mitchell's 'classy' assist with both feet off the ground

Latrell Mitchell proved why he's one of NSW's most important assets with an brilliant piece of skill to set up Brian To'o during the first half of Origin I.

The Blues were set up on the left post, 15 metres from the line as Nathan Cleary shuffled around before passing to his halves partner Mitchell Moses.

Moses threw a cut-out to Mitchell who caught and passed in the same motion to put To'o over in the corner after Xavier Coates had raced in off his wing.

LIVE UPDATES: State of Origin Game 1

READ MORE: Tips: Freddy says 'slow' Cleary will be a 'target' for Maroons

READ MORE: 'Tell me it's him': Ricciardo comeback teased in F1 promo

"When you've got the world's best players playing together, special things happen," Andrew Johns said on Nine.

"That is just as good as it gets, that's special," he added about Mitchell's pass.

Maroons great Cameron Smith described it as "incredible skill" and "classy" before Brad Fittler marvelled at the South Sydney star's quick hands while airborne.

"The fact is Latrell when he threw that ball he was off the ground, I don't know how he finds the strength to actually flick it through his hands that quick when he's not even on the ground," he said.

Watch the 2025 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and 9Now.

The try put the Blues ahead 10-0 after Zac Lomax had scored earlier.