Maroons, Raiders legend Sam Backo dies
A proud Warrgamay Indigenous man, he played seven State of Origin matches for the Maroons, six Tests for Australia, 116 matches for the Canberra Raiders and 20 for the Brisbane Broncos between 1983 and 1990 in a storied career.
NRL identities have paid tribute, including former Maroons captain Wally Lewis and Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys.
'It is with great sadness that I learned this afternoon of the passing of a great mate – Sam Backo,' Lewis wrote on Facebook.
'It was a privilege to play beside Sam, and to have him as a mate. I am very grateful [former Maroon and Bronco] Gene Miles and I got to visit Sam 10 days ago in hospital and have a few laughs with him.
'RIP Sam, you will greatly missed. My deepest sympathies to your loving wife Chrissie and family.'
V'Landys said Backo 'was as tough as they come, a larger-than-life character who was as recognisable as he was resilient'.
'Through a successful career with Canberra Raiders, Brisbane Broncos, not to mention Queensland and Australia, he was a one-of-a-kind footballer.
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