Former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs premiership star Matt Utai has been hospitalised in critical condition after being shot multiple times in a drive-by attack outside his home in Western Sydney.
According to police, emergency services were called to Macquarie Street in Greenacre just before 6:00 am following reports of a shooting. The 44-year-old was reportedly shot in the stomach and leg by occupants of an SUV before the vehicle fled the scene. Paramedics treated him at the location before rushing him to hospital under a “green light corridor,” a protocol that clears roads to ensure rapid medical transport.
Authorities confirmed Utai was taken to hospital in a serious condition, with reports indicating he remains in critical care as doctors continue treatment.
Investigators have suggested the former rugby league star may not have been the intended target. Police are examining possible links between the attack and Utai’s son, who is alleged to have associations with known Sydney gangs, though no official conclusions have been reached.
A short time after the shooting, emergency services were called to Samuel Street in Wiley Park following reports of a vehicle fire. Officers discovered an SUV well alight, which was later extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW. The vehicle was seized for forensic examination, with authorities treating the shooting and the car fire as connected incidents. Crime scenes have been established at both locations as detectives from Bankstown Police Area Command continue their investigation.
The shocking incident has drawn widespread attention given Utai’s prominent sporting career and lack of known criminal history. Police are also reportedly examining whether there were previous incidents involving the residence in recent months. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Utai is widely recognised for his achievements in the National Rugby League, playing 162 games between 2002 and 2013. He was a key member of the Bulldogs’ 2004 premiership-winning team and received the Dally M Rookie of the Year award in 2002. The former winger also represented both New Zealand and Samoa at international level.
Police investigations remain ongoing as officials work to determine the motive behind the attack.
