Former National Rugby League (NRL) star Matt Utai is in serious condition after being shot in a drive-by shooting in Sydney’s southwest early Tuesday morning, . The 44-year-old was shot in the chest and leg on Macquarie Street in Greenacre around 6:00 AM local time.
Emergency services responded to reports of multiple gunshots fired from an SUV, which subsequently fled the scene. Four ambulances were dispatched and Utai was treated at the scene before being transported to a hospital in serious condition. Police have established crime scenes at both Macquarie Street in Greenacre and Samuel Street in Wiley Park, where a burnt-out SUV believed to be involved in the shooting was discovered shortly after.
“The fire was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW and the car was seized for forensic examination,” police stated. Bankstown detectives are investigating and treating the incidents as linked. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the motive behind the shooting and identify those responsible.
Utai, who represented both New Zealand and Samoa internationally, enjoyed a distinguished 11-season NRL career, playing 127 games for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and 40 games for the Wests Tigers. He retired from the professional game in 2013.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community. Brent Sherwin, a former teammate of Utai’s during the Bulldogs’ 2004 premiership-winning season, expressed his devastation and concern. “My heart goes out to his partner and kids. We’re praying he comes through,” Sherwin said. “I wish him all the best and hope he is OK. We’re praying he’s alright.”
Utai played a pivotal role in the Bulldogs’ 2004 Grand Final victory over the Sydney Roosters, scoring two crucial tries. Sherwin emphasized Utai’s importance to the team, stating, “He was a massive part of our team, not just scoring tries, but taking the hard carries on our own line. He never shirked away from any of it, he put his hand up and took it all. He had a big heart.”
Premiership-winning prop Mark O’Meley reported that Utai was “breathing OK” as he received medical attention, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the distressing news. The incident has prompted a response from NSW Police Superintendent Rodney Hart, who described the shooting as a “brazen ambush.”
Superintendent Hart indicated that Utai was on his way to work when he was attacked. “It is a brazen ambush of this male person who, from my understanding, was heading to his vehicle to go to work,” he said. While police believe the incident was targeted, they are still investigating whether Utai was the intended victim. “The person that is currently in hospital … is known to police, but he has no criminal history,” Hart added. “We believe this (shooting) was definitely targeted. Whether the victim was the intended target, or it was somebody that he knows or associates with or is related to, will all form part of the investigation.”
The shooting comes amid what Superintendent Hart described as a “concerning” escalation in crime in Sydney’s southwest, with police investigating potential links to other recent incidents, including fire bombings and shootings. The investigation is focused on identifying the occupants of the SUV and determining the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Utai’s career saw him represent New Zealand on four occasions between 2002 and 2005, all in Test matches against Australia. He also earned three caps for Samoa, showcasing his versatility and international recognition within the sport. His contributions to both club and international rugby league have made him a respected figure within the community.
The incident has prompted an outpouring of support for Utai and his family from across the rugby league world. As police continue their investigation, the focus remains on Utai’s recovery and bringing those responsible for the shooting to justice.
