LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Former Queensland Maroons prop Sam Backo is fighting for his life in a Cairns hospital after being diagnosed with melioidosis, a severe tropical disease.
Reports indicate he contracted the illness in April while swimming at Goomboora Park in Cairns.
Backo believes he was exposed to the disease due to a small sore on his backside, which felt a sting when he entered the water.
After experiencing initial symptoms, he delayed seeking medical attention for several days, despite his family's concerns.
Eventually, he was admitted to the intensive care unit and remains in critical condition.
The situation has garnered attention, with reports from various sources highlighting his battle against the life-threatening virus.