Named as one of the greatest Aboriginal players of the 20th century, he represented Australia and Queensland, and played club football in the New South Wales Rugby League premiership for the Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos, primarily as a prop forward.
From 1984, Backo was a regular member of the starting line-up at Canberra and in 1987 appeared in his, and the club's, first grand final, which was lost to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
While in his final season at Canberra, Backo was first selected to play State of Origin football for the Queensland Maroons in the 1988 series.
A late season injury playing for Canberra saw him miss selection in Australia's World Cup Final winning team.
Although selected for the 1990 Australia team to play France in the NSW country town of Parkes, he was forced to withdraw because of his ongoing knee injury.
[8] Rugby league identities Wally Lewis, Trevor Gillmeister, Steve Renouf and Darryl Brohman were among those who offered support to Backo and his family upon learning the news.