Former rugby league star Matt Utai was seriously injured in a shooting outside his home in Greenacre, southwestern Sydney, early Tuesday morning, while his wife, Lina Utai, and children are safe.
Police say the 44-year-old was shot at shortly after 6 a.m. while heading toward his vehicle. Investigators believe the attack was a targeted drive-by shooting, with gunmen firing from an SUV before fleeing the scene. The vehicle was later found burnt out a short distance.
Emergency services treated Utai at the scene before rushing him to a Sydney hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for multiple gunshot wounds to his shoulder, chest and leg.
NSW Police have described the incident as a serious and “brazen ambush” and referred the case to the organised-crime focused Raptor Squad as detectives search for the suspects.
Although Utai himself has no known criminal history, some reports suggest investigators are examining possible links between the shooting and alleged criminal activity involving his family members.
Police have not confirmed whether Utai was the intended target or if the attack was connected to other underworld activity, and inquiries are ongoing.
Friends, former teammates, and the rugby community have expressed shock at the news, sharing messages of support and hope for his full recovery. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
While the former rugby player appears to lead a private life, his Instagram also provides very little detail about his wife, and no personal information about her is publicly known.
For now, Matt and his family seem to be facing a very difficult time in their lives, with investigations and ongoing reports unfolding under public attention.
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