Rugby league is mourning the loss of Queensland and Australian Test legend Sam Backo, who has passed away at the age of 64.<\/p>\n
Backo, one of the most fearsome forwards of the 1980s, made history as a trailblazing Indigenous front-rower, representing the Canberra Raiders, Brisbane Broncos, Queensland Maroons, and the Australian Kangaroos with distinction.<\/p>\n
He is best remembered for his rampaging performances in the 1988 Ashes series against Great Britain, where he became the first Australian forward to score tries in all three Tests of a series \u2014 earning Player of the Series honours and legendary status.<\/p>\n
A proud Indigenous man and revered figure in North Queensland, Backo\u2019s impact on and off the field paved the way for countless players of First Nations heritage.<\/p>\n
He played 6 Tests for Australia, 7 games for Queensland (State of Origin), and over 100 first-grade matches across the NSWRL competition.<\/p>\n
Backo was inducted into the NRL Indigenous Team of the Century in 2008 and remains one of rugby league\u2019s most influential figures.<\/p>\n
Tributes have begun to pour in from across the game, including former teammates, fans, and the rugby league community.<\/p>\n
Rugby League Zone sends its deepest condolences to Sam Backo\u2019s family, friends, and former teammates.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd4a\ufe0f Rest in peace, Sam Backo (1961\u20132025).<\/p>\n
Rest in peace Sam Backo. Big man. Big heart. Big personality. @RaidersCanberra<\/a> @QLDmaroons<\/a> @Kangaroos<\/a> @leedsrhinos<\/a> @brisbanebroncos<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) August 3, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n Deeply sad news overnight in Australia that 80\u2019s fans favourite \u2018Slammin\u2019 Sam Backo has passed away aged 64.<\/p>\n Sam played seven State of Origin games for Queensland and six Tests for Australia and won the Yorkshire Cup with Leeds in 1988. \u2014 Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) August 3, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n
Our thoughts are with his family and\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/9viN3aqM9B<\/a><\/p>\n