Former Queensland State of Origin prop and Dally M front rower of the year Sam Backo's health is on the improve, after coming out of an induced coma following a heart attack he suffered in his home on April 2.

On Wednesday Backo's wife Chrissy shared news to the relief of the rugby league world that "Sam's condition is improving on a daily basis".

The 62-year-old was placed into the coma after collapsing in his home and being admitted to a Cairns hospital where he remained in a critical condition for some time.

"Sam is no longer in an induced coma and the medical team is confident Sam will continue to improve," the Canberra Raiders released in a statement on behalf of his wife Chrissy.

"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."

Backo played over 100 games for Canberra in the 1980's before stints with the Broncos and in English rugby league.

He made several appearances for both Queensland and the Kangaroos in representative football.

Later in life, Backo has followed in his mother's footsteps in being a passionate advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights.

In 2017, the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum he told Fairfax he hoped "we will have a direction from here".

"A direction to our journey. It's not a destination, it's a journey. And we're still on that journey," he said.

In 2001 Backo was named in the NRL's Indigenous team of the 20th century alongside greats of the game Laurie Daley and fellow Queenslanders Mal Meninga, Gorden Tallis and the late Arthur Beetson.