Overview
- Sam Backo died on August 3, 2025, at age 64 in Cairns Hospital after melioidosis aggravated a chronic heart condition.
- Queensland has recorded 35 deaths from melioidosis this year, highlighting the rare tropical infection’s lethal impact.
- Backo played 116 games for Canberra Raiders and 20 for Brisbane Broncos, and represented Queensland in seven State of Origin matches and Australia in six Tests between 1988 and 1990.
- He made history in 1988 as the first front-row forward to earn man of the match honors in consecutive State of Origin games during Queensland’s 3–0 series whitewash.
- Tributes from former teammates Wally Lewis, Gene Miles and ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys praised his on-field prowess and lifelong commitment to Indigenous health and rights inspired by activist mother Evelyn Scott.