Former New Zealand rugby league international Matt Utai is fighting for his life in a Sydney hospital after being caught in a suspected drive-by shooting.
The 44-year-old reportedly suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to his stomach and leg, after emergency services were called to the scene and provided urgent medical treatment before transporting him to hospital in critical condition.
Police responding to the incident were also called to a nearby location where a parked SUV had been deliberately set on fire. Investigators believe the vehicle is linked to the shooting, with reports suggesting the SUV drove past a home where gunshots were heard before later being found ablaze. New South Wales Police confirmed the vehicle was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW and seized for forensic examination as part of an ongoing investigation.
Utai is well known in rugby league circles, having represented New Zealand four times at international level. He was part of the Canterbury Bulldogs’ 2004 NRL Premiership-winning squad and made 127 appearances for the club between 2002 and 2009. He later played for the Wests Tigers, scoring 14 tries across 40 matches. Authorities have not yet released details on suspects or motive as inquiries continue.
Matt Utai shot pic.twitter.com/PL1zCtiosJ
— IMARoostàr🐓 (@IMAROOSTAR) February 17, 2026
Kinda weird when ‘bread and circus’ is suddenly caught up in real live horror.
But then again, how long can one pretend it to be only sports when the beds are burning?