Former Rugby League Star Matt Utai Shot in Targeted Sydney Ambush
Former New Zealand and Samoa rugby league winger Matt Utai is in a serious condition in hospital after being shot multiple times in what police have described as a "brazen ambush" outside a Sydney home. The incident occurred in the western suburb of Greenacres at approximately 6 a.m. local time on Tuesday.
Police Investigation Underway
New South Wales Police Superintendent Rodney Hart confirmed that authorities are treating the shooting as a targeted attack. Hart stated that two males were involved—a gunman and a driver of a white SUV. Shortly after the shooting, a vehicle matching this description was found ablaze in a nearby suburb, with police establishing crime scenes at both locations.
"We strongly believe that this is a targeted attack," Hart told reporters. "We are concerned about this brazen attack." He emphasised there is no ongoing threat to the community but urged the public to come forward with any information or video footage of the incident.
Utai's Condition and Background
The 44-year-old former athlete, who famously won a National Rugby League championship with Canterbury in 2004, underwent emergency surgery for gunshot wounds to his lower leg and upper chest-shoulder area. His former Canterbury teammate Mark O'Meley reported that Utai was "breathing OK" while receiving hospital treatment.
"Everyone has been on the group chat all morning, we just hope he's OK," O'Meley said in comments published by The Australian newspaper.
Police have clarified that Utai is not suspected of involvement in organised crime. "He has a small amount of traffic history, but at least we do believe that he may not be involved in any [criminal] activity," Hart explained. However, Utai's son Iziah was convicted on drug and gun possession charges in 2023 and received an 18-month jail sentence, with police alleging links to a local organised crime network.
Rugby League Career and Club Response
Born in Auckland, Utai earned four caps for New Zealand from 2002 to 2005 and three caps for Samoa in 2008. During his 167-game NRL career with Sydney-based teams Canterbury and Wests Tigers, he scored an impressive 85 tries.
Canterbury released a statement expressing deep shock and sadness over the attack. "Our thoughts are with Matt and his family during this extremely difficult time. We are hoping and praying for his full recovery," the club said.
The investigation continues as police work to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive behind this violent assault on the former sports star.
