US EditionMaroons, Raiders Legend Sam Backo Dies
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA, AUG 3 – Sam Backo battled melioidosis for months and died at 64, as Queensland recorded 237 cases and 35 deaths from the infection this year, mostly in Cairns and Townsville.
- Legendary Queensland State of Origin player Sam Backo died surrounded by family in Cairns on Sunday at age 64.
- Backo had been battling melioidosis since April in intensive care, a bacterial infection that has killed 35 people in Queensland this year.
- He was the first front-rower named man of the match in two straight Origin games and played six Tests for Australia in 1988 and 1989, earning a place in the Indigenous Team of the Century.
- Tributes highlighted Backo's humour and resilience; ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys called him 'as tough as they come' and praised his recognisable character.
- Beyond the field, Backo used his profile to urge Indigenous Australians to prioritise health screenings after his heart surgery in 2023.
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Sydney Morning Herald+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Maroons, Raiders legend Sam Backo dies
A proud Warrgamay Indigenous man, he played seven State of Origin matches for the Maroons, six Kangaroos Tests, 116 matches for the Canberra Raiders and 20 for the Brisbane Broncos.
·Sydney, Australia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left5Leaning Right2Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Left
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources lean Left
63% Left
L 63%
13%
R 25%
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