Queensland Rugby Legend Sam Backo Dies Aged 64 After Melioidosis Battle

Queensland rugby league legend Sam Backo has died at the age of 64 after a three-month battle with melioidosis, a tropical bacterial infection, and complications from a longstanding heart condition. Known as ‘Slammin’ Sam,’ Backo had an illustrious career playing for the Canberra Raiders, Brisbane Broncos, and Leeds Rhinos, as well as representing Queensland in State of Origin and Australia internationally. He was celebrated not only for his dominant presence on the field but also for his humility, humor, and advocacy for Indigenous Australians, being a strong fighter for his Warrgamay people and the South Sea Islander community. Backo had suffered a heart attack in 2023 and underwent major heart surgery, and he watched Queensland’s recent State of Origin victory from his hospital bed. Tributes from former teammates highlight his formidable impact as a prop forward, contributing to Queensland's dominance in the late 1980s. He passed away surrounded by family and friends in Cairns after being transferred back from a Brisbane hospital for a pacemaker procedure.