Remembering Slammin’ Sam Backo: A Rugby Legend and Proud Indigenous Voice
So, there’s some really emotional news coming out of Queensland — rugby league great Sam Backo has passed away at the age of 64. His death came after a tough three-month battle with a rare and deadly bacterial disease called melioidosis, combined with complications from an existing heart condition. He died in hospital, surrounded by love and memories of a life that was as impactful off the field as it was on it.
Now, if you followed rugby in the '80s, you’d know the name "Slammin’ Sam." He was a powerhouse front-rower — a dominant force in the State of Origin and for the Canberra Raiders. But Sam wasn’t just about brute strength or big tackles. He was also a man of deep conviction, humour, and humility. His legacy is as much about his contributions to Indigenous rights as it is about footy.
Sam grew up in North Queensland — barefoot, proud, and tough — in a tight-knit community. His mum, Dr Evelyn Scott, was a key figure in the 1967 referendum that granted citizenship to Aboriginal Australians. So activism ran in the family. Sam carried that fire forward throughout his life — at protests, in negotiations over land rights, and through his work with Indigenous prisoners. He never stopped pushing for justice and recognition.
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On the field, he was electric. After starting with the Lower Herbert Dolphins at just seven years old, he rose through the ranks quickly, earning a spot with the Raiders in 1983. In 1988, he made history by becoming the first Aussie forward to score in all three Ashes Tests against England. He was also named Dally M Front Rower of the Year. But it wasn’t just his achievements that stood out — it was moments like his raw and honest post-Origin interview where he famously said, “F***ing hard, mate.”
His career was cut short by a chronic knee injury at just 29, but he didn’t slow down. He moved into community work, always finding ways to give back. Whether it was leading peaceful protests or helping secure native title recognition for his people, Sam was always showing up.
In his later years, he faced serious health issues, including a massive heart attack in 2023 and, more recently, melioidosis — a rare disease he believed he caught after cooling off in a creek during a ride on his beloved Harley. He spent months in intensive care, even watching the Origin final from his hospital bed. Yet, right up to the end, he stayed generous in spirit, sending condolences to others even as he faced his own mortality.
What made Sam truly remarkable was how grounded he remained despite all the accolades. He was most proud of his family — his six children, his grandchildren, and the strong women who raised him. His story is more than a sports story — it’s a story of cultural pride, resilience, and an unshakable sense of community.
Rest in peace, Sam Backo. You left a giant mark on this country.
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