BY DAN

Canberra Raiders great Sam Backo has died from tropical soil disease melioidosis and complications related to an ongoing heart condition, as reported by ABC.

To me, Sam was a larger than life figure. He played for the Raiders as the game became real to me. As a pipsqueak he was a giant, and the one forward I remember every adult around me being in awe of. For many years he was Canberra’s best middle and I was always sad when he returned to Queensland to play for the Broncos.

As an adult I’ve come to learn most of my impressions as a boy were shared by those around me. To me he was colossus, but it was the same for adults and wide-eyed youth alike. He was weapon on the field, bigger and badder than anyone any opposition could throw at him. He deservedly won accolades and representative honours, and did himself and his people proud.

His sisters have spoken how he was more than just a footballer. As reported in the ABC he was a tireless advocate for the Warrgamay people and the South Sea Islander community. In post football life he played a key role in a successful native title victory for the Warrgamay people, and was one of the delegates for the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

I know how sad many Raiders fans will be about this. I will be too. The Raiders have a lost a player but Australia has lost a great man. Truly he was a giant on the field and off it.

We here the Sportress send our condolences and respect to his family and community.