He played with heart, fought with pride—and now we say goodbye to a Rugby legend (64)
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He was a giant of the game, both in stature and in spirit.
Known for his fierce play and even fiercer pride in his heritage, he etched his name into rugby league history.
Now, the sport is mourning one of its most iconic figures.
Queensland and Australian rugby league great Sam Backo died on Sunday, aged 64, surrounded by family at Cairns Hospital.
He had been battling melioidosis, a serious bacterial infection, since April and had spent time in intensive care before his passing.
Melioidosis, found in soil and water in tropical and subtropical areas, has claimed the lives of 35 people in Queensland so far this year.
Backo, known affectionately as ‘Slammin’ Sam’, was transferred to a Brisbane hospital for treatment but was later returned to Cairns.
He suffered a heart attack in 2023 and was left in a critical condition, but survived that scare.
Born and raised in Queensland, Backo forged a formidable career across both Australia and the UK.
He played 114 games for the Canberra Raiders from 1983 to 1988 before joining the Brisbane Broncos in 1989, where he made another 20 appearances.
Between NRL seasons, he also turned out for Leeds in England, playing 18 games during the 1988–1989 campaign.
His hard-hitting style earned him respect on the field, but off it, he was known as one of the game’s true characters.
Backo represented Queensland in seven State of Origin matches and played six Tests for Australia.
His most memorable international moment came in 1988, when he scored a try in each of the three Tests against England.
A proud Indigenous man, he also contributed significantly to the advancement of Indigenous health, a cause he championed well beyond his playing days.
He is remembered not just as a rugby league legend, but as a powerful advocate for his people and a beloved member of the community.
Sam Backo’s death has drawn attention to the dangers of melioidosis—a disease that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
His case is part of a larger outbreak that’s already claimed multiple lives and left dozens hospitalised this year alone.
Health officials are urging people in affected areas to stay alert, as the bacteria behind this silent killer continues to spread.
Read more: Silent killer strikes: Deadly bacterial outbreak claims two lives, infects 28
Rugby league has lost a warrior—on and off the field.
Known for his fierce play and even fiercer pride in his heritage, he etched his name into rugby league history.
Now, the sport is mourning one of its most iconic figures.
Queensland and Australian rugby league great Sam Backo died on Sunday, aged 64, surrounded by family at Cairns Hospital.
He had been battling melioidosis, a serious bacterial infection, since April and had spent time in intensive care before his passing.
Melioidosis, found in soil and water in tropical and subtropical areas, has claimed the lives of 35 people in Queensland so far this year.
Sam Backo remembered after tragic health fight. Image source: Instagram/A Current Affair
Backo, known affectionately as ‘Slammin’ Sam’, was transferred to a Brisbane hospital for treatment but was later returned to Cairns.
He suffered a heart attack in 2023 and was left in a critical condition, but survived that scare.
Born and raised in Queensland, Backo forged a formidable career across both Australia and the UK.
He played 114 games for the Canberra Raiders from 1983 to 1988 before joining the Brisbane Broncos in 1989, where he made another 20 appearances.
Between NRL seasons, he also turned out for Leeds in England, playing 18 games during the 1988–1989 campaign.
His hard-hitting style earned him respect on the field, but off it, he was known as one of the game’s true characters.
Backo represented Queensland in seven State of Origin matches and played six Tests for Australia.
His most memorable international moment came in 1988, when he scored a try in each of the three Tests against England.
A proud Indigenous man, he also contributed significantly to the advancement of Indigenous health, a cause he championed well beyond his playing days.
He is remembered not just as a rugby league legend, but as a powerful advocate for his people and a beloved member of the community.
Sam Backo’s death has drawn attention to the dangers of melioidosis—a disease that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
His case is part of a larger outbreak that’s already claimed multiple lives and left dozens hospitalised this year alone.
Health officials are urging people in affected areas to stay alert, as the bacteria behind this silent killer continues to spread.
Read more: Silent killer strikes: Deadly bacterial outbreak claims two lives, infects 28
Rugby league has lost a warrior—on and off the field.
