Ex-NRL Player Matt Utai in Hospital After Shooting

Matt Utai, Ex-Kiwis Rugby League player, shot in Sydney

Matt Utai, a former NRL player with Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers, is in hospital after being shot in a drive-by shooting in Sydney.

“There is no ongoing threat to the community...”

Former NRL player Matt Utai is fighting for his life in a Sydney hospital after being shot twice outside a home in western Sydney early Tuesday morning. The 44-year-old, who played for New Zealand and Samoa, was shot in the leg and upper shoulder by occupants of an SUV, which was later found burnt out in Wiley Park.

Police are treating the incident as a targeted attack, but Utai's family and friends are trying to stay positive. “Everyone has been on the group chat all morning, we just hope he's OK,” said Mark O'Meley, a former teammate.

Utai, a premiership winner with Canterbury in 2004, had a notable rugby league career with 167 NRL appearances. He's currently undergoing emergency surgery and is in serious but stable condition.

Former NRL player Matt Utai was shot twice in a “brazen ambush” outside his home in Greenacre, Sydney, while getting into his car to head to work. Police linked a burned-out SUV found in Wiley Park to the shooting.

“We believe at this point in time that it is a targeted attack,” said NSW Police Superintendent Rodney Hart. “There is no ongoing threat to the community.”

Utai, 44, suffered gunshot wounds in his lower leg and upper chest and underwent emergency surgery. His former teammate Mark O'Meley said Utai was “breathing OK” and everyone was hoping he recovers soon.

NSW Police Superintendent Rodney Hart wasn't sure if Matt Utai was the intended target, saying the investigation is still unfolding. He reassured that Utai, a 44-year-old with 167 NRL games, isn't known to police.

“He has no criminal history ... at this stage, we do believe he may not be involved in any criminal activity.”

Matt Utai had a notable NRL career, starring in the Bulldogs' 2004 Grand Final win with two tries. He played 127 games for the Dogs before moving to Wests Tigers for 40 games from 2011-13.