The rugby league community has been urged to rally behind former Canberra Raiders hard man Sam Backo as he prepares for a triple bypass and a long recovery after his life was turned upside down.
Backo's wife Chrissy revealed the Raiders legend had been forced to leave his job and would require physiotherapy for up to six months following a "massive heart attack" in Cairns.
The former Australian and Queensland representative prop is scheduled to have surgery in Brisbane this weekend.