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In a devastating turn of events, former National Rugby League star Matt Utai has been hospitalized after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds in a shooting incident in south-western Sydney. The incident occurred early this morning, leaving the community in shock.
Utai, aged 44, who once played for the Wests Tigers and Canterbury Bulldogs, found himself the target of a violent attack outside a residence on Macquarie Street in Greenacre. According to reports, he was struck by bullets fired from a speeding SUV around 6 a.m.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, where paramedics provided immediate care to Utai for his injuries. He was subsequently transported to St George Hospital, where he remains in serious condition.
Shortly thereafter, law enforcement received reports of a vehicle fire on Samuel Street in Wiley Park. Upon arrival, officers discovered an SUV engulfed in flames. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze, and the vehicle has since been taken for forensic analysis to aid in the ongoing investigation.
The fire was extinguished by firefighters, and the car was seized for forensic examination.
Police have established crime scenes at both locations and say both incidents are linked.
Investigations are continuing.
New Zealand-born Utai joined the Bulldogs in 2002, and was a pivotal member of the club’s 2004 premiership-winning side, scoring two tries in the defeat of the Sydney Roosters.
He also represented New Zealand, including an appearance in the 2008 World Cup.
Utai departed the Bulldogs in 2010 and one year later joined the Wests Tigers, playing for the Sydney club until the end of his career in 2013.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
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