Sam
Backo
Samson "Slammin' Sam" Backo — Canberra Raiders legend, Queensland and Australian international, Indigenous advocate, and one of the most powerful forwards ever to lace up boots in the NSWRL — passed...
Sam remembered.
Samson "Slammin' Sam" Backo — Canberra Raiders legend, Queensland and Australian international, Indigenous advocate, and one of the most powerful forwards ever to lace up boots in the NSWRL — passed away on 3 August 2025, at the age of 64, after a courageous battle with melioidosis, a rare tropical bacterial infection. He died in Cairns Hospital, surrounded by his family and deeply loved until the very end.
Born on 1 January 1961 in Ingham, a sugar-cane town in North Queensland, Samson Backo grew up as a proud Warrgamay and South Sea Islander man. His mother, Dr Evelyn Scott, was a pioneering Aboriginal rights activist who played a key role in the historic 1967 referendum that granted citizenship to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. From childhood, Sam was shaped by a family with deep roots in justice, community and resilience.
After playing junior rugby league for the Lower Herbert Dolphins in Ingham, Backo made the journey south, eventually arriving in Canberra in 1981 to play for the Woden Valley Statesmen. By 1983, he had been signed by the newly formed Canberra Raiders — and his career quickly soared. Over six seasons with the Green Machine, Backo played 116 first-grade matches, amassing 15 tries and becoming one of the most feared forwards in the competition. He was a cornerstone of the Raiders' ascent, including their maiden grand final appearance in 1987.
His crowning achievement came in 1988, when he became the first Australian forward ever to score tries in all three Tests of an Ashes series against Great Britain. That same year he was named the Dally M Front Rower of the Year — a fitting recognition of a dominant season that also saw him make his State of Origin debut for Queensland. He was the man of the match in two consecutive Origin games, as Queensland romped to a 3–0 series sweep.
After leaving the Raiders to join the Brisbane Broncos in 1989, a persistent knee injury forced his retirement at just 29. But Sam Backo never left the game — or the community — behind. He dedicated his post-football years to advocating for Indigenous health and welfare, supporting community development programs for people leaving incarceration, and working tirelessly for his people. In 2000 he received the Australian Sports Medal. In 2001 he was named in the Rugby League Indigenous Team of the Century — one of only a handful of players honoured in that historic selection.
He is survived by his six children — Elaine, Jacob, Daniel, Luke, Sarah and Peter — and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Canberra Raiders, the NRL, and Australian rugby league mourned his passing deeply, wearing black armbands in his honour. As Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said: "He had a massive impact here at the Raiders. He was a real big, tough front-rower, with speed and agility and a great offload — but most of all, a wonderful man."
A life in moments.
Born in Ingham, North Queensland
Samson Backo was born in Ingham, a sugar-cane town in North Queensland, into a proud Warrgamay and South Sea Islander family. His mother, Dr Evelyn Scott, was a respected Aboriginal rights activist. From his earliest years, Sam played rugby league barefoot in the streets of Ingham, learning the game that would define his life.
Arrived in Canberra — played for Woden Valley Statesmen
Backo moved south to Canberra and joined the Woden Valley Statesmen in the Group 8 competition. It was here, playing local rugby league in the ACT, that he first caught the eye of professional scouts and began the journey that would make him a national icon.
Signed by the Canberra Raiders
Sam signed with the Canberra Raiders at the start of their second NSWRL season. Over six seasons, he became one of the club's most beloved players, playing 116 first-grade matches and becoming a household name in the nation's capital.
Historic 1988 season — Origin debut, Ashes history, Dally M award
In what became the defining year of his career, Backo made his Queensland State of Origin debut, winning back-to-back Man of the Match awards as Queensland swept the series 3–0. He then became the first Australian forward ever to score tries in all three Tests of an Ashes series against Great Britain, and was named the Dally M Front Rower of the Year.
Named in Rugby League's Indigenous Team of the Century
Sam Backo was named in the Rugby League Indigenous Team of the Century — one of the greatest honours in Australian rugby league. He stood alongside legends such as Arthur Beetson and Gorden Tallis in a team that celebrated the immense contribution of Indigenous players to the game.
Passed away in Cairns, surrounded by family
Sam Backo passed away at Cairns Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, after a months-long battle with melioidosis — a rare tropical bacterial infection. He was 64. The rugby league world mourned the loss of one of its greatest and most beloved characters. The Canberra Raiders wore black armbands in his honour during the Indigenous Round clash against Manly, and a moment of silence was held in his memory.
The people they loved,
and the people who loved them.
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Photographs
kept by the family.
For the record.
- Born
- January 1, 1961 · Ingham
- Died
- August 3, 2025 · Canberra
- Age at passing
- 64