League great Backo critically ill after heart attack

The Raiders issued a statement on Sunday on the family's behalf.

"Sam had a heart attack yesterday morning and at this stage remains in a critical condition," the statement read, adding the family wished for privacy.

Backo, who played 114 games for the Raiders and 20 for the Broncos, was named in the Indigenous Australian team of the century.

He created history by becoming the first Australian forward to score tries in all three Tests of an Ashes series in 1988.

Known as 'Slammin Sam', Backo also made seven appearances for Queensland in State of Origin.

He was forced into retirement in 1990 by a knee injury.