Former Toa Samoa NRL Player Matt Utai Shot Multiple Times in a drive-by Shooting in Sydney

2026-02-17 - 05:09

Source: RNZ. Former NRL winger Matt Utai has been shot in a drive-by shooting in Sydney’s west. Emergency services were called to a Greenacre street about 6am on Tuesday after reports of a public place shooting. Police have been told Utai, who played for the Tigers and Bulldogs, was shot outside a home on the street by the occupants of an SUV, before they fled the scene. The 44-year-old was taken to hospital in a serious condition after being treated on the scene by paramedics after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. “I heard like five gunshots,” neighbour Habebeh said. “So we walked down and I see the guy on the floor. “I woke up from the noise and the guy screaming.” Police said an SUV was located on fire a short time later on Samuel Street, Wiley Park and detectives believe it is linked to the shooting. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning, Bankstown Police Area Commander Rodney Hart said Utai was not involved in organised crime. “He’s known to police, but he has no criminal history,” Superintendent Hart said. “He has a small amount of traffic history, but at least we do believe that he may not be involved in any [criminal] activity.” Utai was shot in the leg and shoulder and is undergoing surgery in hospital. The NSW Police’s bikie-focused unit, Strike Force Raptor, has taken over the investigation, Superintendent Hart said.