NRL rocked as 80s cult hero Sam Backo suffers major heart attack

The rugby league community has been left in shock after 80s Queensland cult hero Sam Backo was hospitalised after a major heart attack.

Sam Backo in action for Australia. Photo by Getty Images

Rugby league icon Sam Backo is in critical condition in hospital in Cairns after the 62-year-old suffered a heart attack in Cairns on Saturday.

A hulking prop for the Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos, Backo played 134 first grade games between 1983 and 1990, as well as representing Queensland in seven State of Origins and Australia in six Tests.

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His family released a statement on Sunday.

“Christabel, Sam’s wife and extended family appreciate the support and prayers received for Sam,” the statement read.

“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.”

The outpouring of support for the much-loved former star was immediate.

NRL Immortal Wally Lewis said via The Daily Telegraph: ““We are waiting to find out what condition Sam is in.

“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.

Sam Backo celebrated the 1990 Origin win. Photo: Colin Whelan ¿ Action Photographics

Sam Backo for Queensland. Picture: Supplied

“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.

“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.”

Sending support from the entire Broncos community to Queenslander and former Bronco, Sam Backo and his family during this difficult time 💛 pic.twitter.com/tSxvXc3lg0

— Brisbane Broncos (@brisbanebroncos) April 2, 2023

Sending my best wishes to the great Sam Backo. A great player and character of the game.

— Peter Psaltis (@peterp79) April 2, 2023

Fellow former Queensland teammate Trevor Gillmeister said Backo is “a champion fellow”.

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

“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.”

Another former Origin teammate Colin Scott told the Wide World of Sports: “His wife called me and said he is in a bad way. He is a tough man and always had a big heart so hopefully he can get through it – but it is a real shock.”

Former Broncos and Queensland player Steve Renouf also tweeted: “Cmon big Sammy”, while Darryl Brohmann posted: “Keep fighting mate.”

Originally published as NRL rocked as 80s cult hero Sam Backo suffers major heart attack