Former NRL winger Matt Utai has been shot in a drive-by shooting in Sydney’s west this morning.
Emergency services were called to a Greenacre street about 6am after reports of a public place shooting.
Police have been told Mr 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.
Police combing over the scene in Greenacre this morning. (ABC News: Gavin Coote)
“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 Mr 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.”
Mr 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.
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29m agoMon 16 Feb 2026 at 11:07pm
Update concludes
That’s it from Superintendent Hart.
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31m agoMon 16 Feb 2026 at 11:05pm
Two offenders on the run
Police believe they are looking for two offenders, a driver and a gunman.
32m agoMon 16 Feb 2026 at 11:04pm
Victim’s family at home at the time
Superintendent Hart said Mr Utai’s family was in the home as we shot.
“Whether the victim was the intended target or it was somebody that he knows or associates with, or he’s related to, will form part of investigation,” Superintendent Hart said.
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