Former Raider and Queensland State of Origin prop Sam Backo is out of the coma that was induced after he suffered a heart attack earlier this month.

On April 1, the ex-Canberra and Brisbane player was admitted to a Cairns hospital, remaining in a critical condition over the following days.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the Raiders on behalf of the Backo family it was announced the 62-year-old is recovering well.

“Sam’s condition is improving on a daily basis,” Backo’s wife Chrissy said.

“Sam is no longer in an induced coma and the medical team is confident Sam will continue to improve.”

“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.”

Backo played 134 NSWRL games between 1983 and 1990, 114 for Canberra and 20 for Brisbane.

He represented Queensland seven times in the State of Origin, notably scoring a double in the third game of the 1988 series.

That same year he became the first Australian forward to score tries in all three Tests of an Ashes series.

He received the Dally M Prop Of The Year award in 1988 and was named in the Indigenous Australian team of the 20th century in 2001, alongside Arthur Beetson, Mal Meninga, Laurie Daley and Gorden Tallis.