Important update on former Leeds player and NRL icon after heart attack

A former Leeds player was left in critical condition after a heart attack recently.

The player in question is 62 year old Sam Backo who suffered a heart attack and is no in hospital in a serious condition being monitored closely by doctors.

His former teammate Colin Scott said to the Mole of Wide World of Sports at the weekend: “His wife called me and said he was in a bad way.”

The prop has been described as “an icon” this morning and was a Queensland and Australian representative.

Despite being a prop, he was no stranger to to a try especially for Australia scoring close range tries with incredible power.

In fact he scored in all three of the Ashes Tests in 1988 becoming the first forward to do so.

The original Slamming Sam, a nickname taken on by Sam Burgess in recent times.

Like Burgess, Backo spent some time playing in the UK.

He joined Leeds in 1988 making a lovely cameo at Headingley in a short term stint at the club.

He scored a crucial try against Hull FC in the semi-final of the Yorkshire Cup when the Loiners were up against it to give them the lead at a crucial point in the game.

Backo would start the final on the bench helping Leeds pick up the trophy.

Now an update has been shared by another of his former clubs, Canberra Raiders, from Chrissy Backo (Warren):

“Sam’s condition is improving on a daily basis. Sam is no longer in an induced coma and the medical team is confident Sam will continue to improve. Sam’s extended family and I have been overwhelmed and grateful for the heartfelt support for Sam and we have no doubt the prayers and spiritual blessings have helped Sam fight his biggest battle to date. I am sure most of you will not be surprised at Sam’s strong spirit and determination to get through this. Thank you for your ongoing concern for Sam and we too look forward to his continued improvement.”