Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys AM has paid tribute to Sam Backo, who has passed away.
Backo played 116 matches for Canberra Raiders and 20 games for Brisbane Broncos between 1983 and 1990. Backo also played seven State of Origin matches for Queensland, as well as six Test matches for Australia.
“Sam was as tough as they come, a larger-than-life character who was as recognisable as he was resilient,” Mr V’landys said.
“Through a successful career with Canberra Raiders, Brisbane Broncos, not to mention Queensland and Australia, he was a one-of-a-kind footballer.
“He was famously a tryscorer in all three Ashes Tests against Great Britain in 1988.
“A member of the Indigenous Team of the Century, Sam was also a generous and selfless man who was passionate about Indigenous health and advocacy away from the field.
“On behalf of the Commission, I extend our sincerest condolences to Sam’s family, and all those who knew him.”
