Former NRL and Kiwis winger Matt Utai shot in targeted Sydney attack

Former NRL player and New Zealand international Matt Utai is in a serious condition after being shot in what police have described as a brazen, targeted attack in Sydney’s south-west.

Emergency services were called to Macquarie Street in Greenacre about 6am on Tuesday following reports that multiple shots had been fired from an SUV. The vehicle fled the scene shortly after the incident.

Utai, 44, was reportedly getting into his car to head to work when he was shot in the leg and upper shoulder. He sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital, where he is expected to undergo surgery.

A short time later, police located an SUV on fire and believe it is linked to the shooting. Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze, and the vehicle has been seized for forensic examination. Crime scenes have been established at both locations, with detectives from Bankstown leading the investigation.

Superintendent Rod Hart said officers found the victim on the front lawn of the property, appearing to be in significant pain. He described the incident as a “brazen ambush” and said investigators believe two men were involved.

Police have indicated the shooting appears to be targeted and have reassured the public there is no ongoing threat to the wider community. Authorities also said the victim has no criminal history apart from minor traffic matters, though investigators will examine any possible associations as part of their inquiries.

Australian media have reported that Utai’s son may have links to a gang, though police have not confirmed any direct connection between those claims and the shooting.

Born in Auckland, Utai moved to Australia to pursue a rugby league career. He played 127 NRL games for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and 40 for the Wests Tigers before retiring in 2013. He represented New Zealand on four occasions between 2002 and 2005, all against Australia, and also earned three caps for Samoa.

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