Queensland rugby league figure Sam Backo has died following a three-month battle with melioidosis and complications from a heart condition. The 64-year-old former State of Origin front-rower was admitted to Cairns Hospital in April and diagnosed with the tropical soil-borne bacterial disease, which has claimed 35 lives in Queensland this year. Backo underwent quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery two years ago, after suffering a massive heart attack. In July, doctors transferred him to Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane to upgrade his implantable cardioverter defibrillator to a pacemaker.
Queensland Rugby League Icon Sam Backo died aged 64
Life and Sporting Achievements
Born in Ingham in 1961, Backo grew up in the sugarcane farming regions of North Queensland, where children often went barefoot. He played junior rugby league for the Lower Herbert Dolphins, competing fearlessly from the age of seven. Backo progressed through clubs in Cairns, Canberra, Yeppoon, and Fortitude Valley before joining the Canberra Raiders in 1983. Over six seasons, he played 115 matches and scored 15 tries. He earned the title of sportsman of the year in the National Aborigines Day of Celebration awards in 1985 and appeared in the 1987 grand final.
Backo made his State of Origin debut in 1988 and played seven games for the Canberra Raiders in his first season. That year, he became the first Australian forward to score tries in all three tests during an Ashes series against England and was named Dally M Front Rower of the Year. He played 134 representative matches in the NRL, including seven State of Origin appearances and six matches representing the Kangaroos. A chronic knee injury limited his time with the Brisbane Broncos and ended his career at 29.
Sam Backo played 20 games for the Brisbane Broncos
Advocacy and Indigenous Rights
After football, Backo worked with Indigenous prisoners for the Queensland Corrective Services Commission beginning in 1990. His family said he was a strong fighter for his Warrgamay people and South Sea Islander community. Backo’s mother, Dr Evelyn Scott AO, was a renowned Aboriginal rights activist and influenced the 1967 referendum granting citizenship to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Backo attended key discussions with figures like Eddie “Koiki” Mabo, absorbing lessons on native title and Indigenous rights.
A Canberra Times article from 1990
Backo helped negotiate a memorial stone in Halifax to honour three neighbouring traditional owner groups after his mother’s death. In 2021, he played a significant role in winning the Warrgamay people native title recognition over more than 185,000 hectares from Lucinda to Girringun National Park. He stated, “This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.” He also participated in Indigenous rallies and was present at the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart convention, advocating reforms including Voice, Treaty, and Truth. However, he publicly opposed the Voice to Parliament referendum, citing concerns about representation, saying, “As Indigenous people, no man speaks for another man’s country.”
Family and Legacy
Backo’s family remembers him for his generosity of spirit and deep commitment to his heritage. His sisters praised his love for his four siblings, six children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family highlighted Backo’s respect for discipline and education instilled by their mother. Despite sporting fame, Backo’s proudest achievements were his family bonds and cultural identity.
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Health Struggles and Final Months
Backo experienced a major heart attack two years ago, underwent bypass surgery, and remained vigilant about his health. In 2023, he urged Indigenous Australians to prioritise health screenings. After contracting melioidosis, he spent three months in intensive care at Cairns Hospital. He believed he caught the disease from swimming in a creek after a hot motorcycle ride. His final hospital stay included unsuccessful attempts at home care. Backo told the ABC from his ICU bed, “When your time’s up, your time’s up” but added, “I have 16 beautiful grandchildren. I want to see them grow up into strong people.” His family expressed thanks to the hospital staff and surgeons who cared for him.
Remembering Sam Backo
Sam Backo’s contributions extended well beyond rugby league. His role in Indigenous advancement and his perseverance through health challenges underscored his impact. The Queensland rugby community and Indigenous Australians mourn his passing, honouring his dedication both on and off the field.
