Warning: this article contains the name and images of an Indigenous person who has passed away.

Warrgamay and South Sea Islander man Sam Backo is being remembered by his family not only as a legendary footballer, but as a devoted big brother, cultural leader and proud advocate for his community.

Backo, who passed away aged 64 in Cairns, was celebrated for his achievements on the field, but his sister Charmaene says his legacy runs far deeper.

In a joint statement, Mr Backo's sisters - Dolores, Charmaene, Kathrine and Jewel - said their brother was more than a footballer.

Speaking with National Indigenous Times, Charmaene shared memories of her brother.

"We always did things as a very tight knit group, the four sisters and Sam," she said.

"Of course, because he was the oldest, he also got to pull rank a lot of the time, which comes with being the big brother and the only brother."

Growing up with his grandparents Melba and Ishmael Backo in Ingham, Backo spent his early years in the Herbert River district, including Cordelia and Halifax, with his large extended family.

Charmaene recalled their upbringing, where the five siblings shared chores, bike rides, and long days playing in their cubby house.

She said their disciplined childhood helped shape the values Sam carried through life.

"He got a good dose of the good old-fashioned discipline," she said.

"We saw that, and he did too, as character building. It made us into the responsible adults we are today."

Backo's strong sense of identity was deeply influenced by their mother, the late Dr Evelyn Scott AO, a renowned Aboriginal rights activist who played a central role in the 1967 referendum.

He was raised in a household where education, activism, and cultural responsibility were part of everyday life.

"Our mother instilled in all five of us the need to read and get a good education because she believed that knowledge was power," Charmaene said.

"She had a wall in the house that had a lot of little sayings on it and Sam always remembered the one that said, 'We all belong to the one race, the human race.'"

These lessons stayed with Backo throughout his life.

He became a regular presence at native title meetings and helped lead the Warrgamay People's 2021 native title determination, securing land and sea rights to more than 185,000 hectares.

"He was just so proud of that achievement," Charmaene said.

"He always proudly walked on Country and was proud of giving back to community."

Backo remained active in the struggle for Indigenous rights long after retiring from rugby league, including his work supporting Aboriginal men transitioning out of the prison system.

"He felt a very strong need to always give back and to step up, and he did it every time," Charmaene said.

"He did it very proudly and with his head held high."

She said his leadership in family settings was just as strong.

Known affectionately as "the big fella," Backo was a central figure among cousins, uncles, aunties and siblings.

"Whenever family gave him a call, he always stepped up," she said.

"He loved that. With all of his cousins, he was the oldest, like the tallest tree in their forest. And now he's gone."

Despite his fame, Charmaene said her brother never let football define him.

"We were very proud of his footy achievements, but there was so much more to my brother."

The family also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of tributes and support from the football community.

"He had a lot of love to give and a big heart," Charmaene said.

"That's what we loved about him."