NRL 2023: Former Raiders, Queensland star Sam Backo in hospital after heart attack

Former Raiders prop and Maroons cult hero Sam Backo is in a critical condition, after being rushed to hospital following a heart attack.

Former Raiders and Maroons cult-hero Sam Backo is in a critical condition after suffering a heart attack. Picture: Cameron Bates.

Former Canberra and Brisbane prop and cult hero Sam Backo is in a critical condition inside a Cairns hospital after suffering a heart attack.

Backo’s medical scare has rocked the Raiders, a club where the giant prop played 115 games between 1983 and 1988.

He later played 20 matches for the Broncos.

Family and friends are deeply concerned about the 62-year-old’s condition.

A statement released by Backo’s family read: “Christabel, Sam’s wife and extended family appreciate the support and prayers received for Sam.

“Sam had a heart attack yesterday morning and at this stage remains in a critical condition.

“The family has asked to please respect their privacy at this time.”

Former Raiders and Maroons cult-hero Sam Backo is in a critical condition after suffering a heart attack. Picture: Cameron Bates.

Backo played 135 first grade rugby league matches across a decade-long rugby league career, as well as 7 games for Queensland and 6 Australia Tests. Picture: Colin Whelan.

“We are waiting to find out what condition Sam is in,” said former Broncos, Maroons and Australian teammate, the Immortal Wally Lewis. “We wish him all the best, particularly the Queensland guys.

“He was such a dominant prop. When he came on, Sam just destroyed everyone that was in front of him. Sam was the size of a cement truck and he made the most of it.

“That dominating period for Sam, in the late 1980s, probably gave Queensland dominance in size for the first time.

“To have him in control up front, it gave blokes like me, Alf (Allan Langer) and Mal (Meninga) the time and space. He was unstoppable.

Wally Lewis being chaired off field by (L-R) RL players Martin Bella, Sam Backo and Gene Miles after the NSW v Queensland State of Origin match at Sydney Football Stadium in 1989.

“With some of the great back lines we had, I used to give Sam a bit of a spray: ‘Sam, we want time, we want some space … get it for us.’ And he did it.

“Sam also had the voice that everyday tried to mimic. He certainly drew plenty of love and support from the indigenous community. He was a very proud representative of that community.

“He was the size of a house.”

Ex-Queensland teammate Trevor Gillmeister was another praying that Backo makes a quick recovery.

“I love Sam, he’s a champion fellow,” Gillmeister said.

“I roomed with Sam for Origin when ‘Fatty’ (Paul Vautin) retired and it was one of the funniest weeks of my life.

“Sam doesn’t take life too seriously and always has a smile on his face.

“They talk about big blokes these days with footwork but Sam was one of the first that was god on his feet for a big man.”