A former rugby league player, Matt Utai, is in serious condition after being shot multiple times in what police are calling a "brazen ambush" outside his Sydney home. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning in Greenacre, a suburb in Sydney's southwest. Emergency services were called to the scene around 6 am, where Utai, aged 44, was found with gunshot wounds. He underwent emergency surgery and is currently in a critical but stable condition. Police are investigating the shooting as a targeted attack.
Context
Matt Utai, a notable figure in rugby league, played 167 National Rugby League (NRL) games for the Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers. He also represented New Zealand and Samoa internationally. The shooting took place as Utai was reportedly getting into his car to go to work. Paramedics treated him at the scene for multiple gunshot wounds before he was transported to the hospital. Police confirmed that Utai's family was at home during the incident.
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Authorities located a burnt-out SUV in Wiley Park, a short distance from the shooting, and believe it is linked to the attack. The investigation has been taken over by the NSW Police's bikie-focused unit, Strike Force Raptor.
Evidence
Official Statements: Superintendent Rodney Hart described the shooting as a "brazen ambush" and "definitely targeted." He also stated that Utai is not involved in organised crime.
Victim's Condition: Utai is reported to be in "serious condition" and "critical but stable" after undergoing surgery for multiple gunshot wounds, including to the leg and upper shoulder.
Circumstantial Links: A burnt-out SUV was found shortly after the incident, and police believe it is connected to the shooting.
Witness Accounts: A neighbor reported hearing "like five gunshots" before seeing a man on the floor.
Unconfirmed Reports: Some unconfirmed reports suggest Utai may not have been the intended target, but rather a family member. However, police have not officially commented on this.
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The Shooting and Immediate Aftermath
The incident unfolded outside Utai's residence in Greenacre around 6 am. Reports indicate he sustained wounds to his chest and leg. He was treated by paramedics before being taken to the hospital. The discovery of a burning vehicle shortly after the shooting has led police to link the two events.
Police Investigation and Targeted Attack
Police have emphasized that the attack was targeted and not random. Superintendent Rodney Hart stated that Utai is not known to police for criminal activity. The involvement of Strike Force Raptor suggests a potential link to organized crime or outlaw motorcycle gangs, although this has not been officially confirmed regarding Utai himself.
Potential Motives and Circumstances
While police maintain Utai has no criminal history, the nature of the attack has led to speculation about underlying motives. The possibility of Utai being mistaken for someone else or being targeted due to his association with others remains an open question. The police are actively pursuing leads to identify the perpetrators, who are believed to be two individuals.
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Club and Community Reactions
The Canterbury Bulldogs, Utai's former club, have expressed their concern and offered support. Many who knew Utai have spoken of their shock at the news.
Expert Analysis
"This was definitely targeted. It's a brazen ambush." - Superintendent Rodney Hart
"I still talk to him a lot to this day… so rocked a little bit." - A person familiar with Utai, quoted by Fox Sports Australia.
Police believe "two men were responsible for the shooting."
Conclusion
Former NRL star Matt Utai is in a critical condition following a shooting outside his Sydney home. Police are treating the incident as a targeted, brazen ambush and are investigating a burnt-out vehicle found nearby as a key piece of evidence. While Utai is not known to police for criminal activity, the investigation is being handled by a specialized unit, indicating the potential for organized crime involvement. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and police are actively seeking to identify the two individuals believed to be responsible. The incident has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community.
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Sources Used:
BBC Sport: https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/articles/c8eg71gywlyo (Published: 20 minutes ago, Summary: Ex-NRL winger Utai in serious condition after shooting, represented New Zealand and Samoa, played 167 NRL games for Bulldogs and Wests Tigers, shot multiple times outside home, described as "targeted" and a "brazen ambush" by Superintendent Rodney Hart.)
Fox Sports Australia: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-news-matt-utai-shooting-former-canterbury-bulldogs-players-fighting-for-life-in-hospital-latest-news-updates-police-investigation/news-story/6370195a08fb1d6aecac5143bba12482 (Published: 12 hours ago, Summary: Utai known to police but no criminal history, club legend undergoes emergency surgery after ‘brazen’ shooting, played for Bulldogs, victim of early-morning attack outside home in Greenacre, son linked to Alameddine crime family, SUV found on fire linked to shooting.)
1News: https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/02/17/former-nrl-kiwis-star-matt-utai-shot-in-brazen-ambush-in-sydney/ (Published: 10 hours ago, Summary: Played for Samoa, taken to hospital with serious injuries, SUV found on fire believed linked, shot twice in leg and upper shoulder while getting in car, two men believed responsible.)
ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-17/nsw-greenacre-shooting-police-public-place/106352298 (Published: 13 hours ago, Summary: Former NRL player Matt Utai shot outside home in Greenacre, Superintendent Rodney Hart confirms Utai not involved in organised crime, Utai's son Iziah Utai is an associate of the Alameddine crime family, SUV located on fire linked to shooting.)
RNZ: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/587066/kiwi-nrl-star-matt-utai-believed-shot-in-sydney-drive-by (Published: 12 hours ago, Summary: Utai not involved in organised crime, Strike Force Raptor investigating, called to Greenacre street around 6 am for public place shooting, neighbor heard five gunshots and saw man on floor.)
Sporting News Australia: https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/nrl-matt-utai-shot-sydney-bulldogs-winger-rushed-hospital/2c06d6deb43a9b54f41caef0 (Published: 11 hours ago, Summary: Treated for multiple gunshot wounds, rushed to hospital in serious condition, underwent emergency surgery, played for Canterbury Bulldogs, New Zealand, and Samoa, unconfirmed reports suggest Utai was not intended target, Dally M Rookie of the Year in 2002.)
Newstalk ZB: https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/ex-kiwis-nrl-star-matt-utai-fighting-for-life-after-early-morning-drive-by-shooting/ (Published: 12 hours ago, Summary: Reportedly fighting for his life, involved in shooting in Sydney’s south-west, played three seasons at Wests Tigers, discovered with gunshot wounds to chest and leg, called to Macquarie St, Greenacre around 6 am, played four tests for Kiwis and three for Samoa.)
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