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Former NRL star Matt Utai shot in targeted Sydney attack
New South Wales Police have charged four teenagers following a drive-by shooting that left former professional rugby league player Matt Utai with serious injuries. The 44-year-old was struck by gunfire in the Sydney suburb of Greenacre on Tuesday, authorities confirmed.
Arrests and charges laid
A 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man face charges of being an accessory after the fact to shoot with intent to murder. Two additional suspects-a second 19-year-old and an 18-year-old-have been charged with damaging property by fire. The younger of the two also faces drug supply allegations.
All four were taken into custody after police executed six search warrants on Thursday. During the raids, investigators seized three vehicles, one kilogram of cocaine, and knuckle dusters, according to a police statement.
Incident details and ongoing investigation
Utai was rushed to hospital after suffering gunshot wounds to his leg and shoulder. He remains in a serious but stable condition following surgery. Police allege the shots were fired from a white SUV, which was later discovered burned out in nearby Wiley Park.
A task force has been formed to probe a series of connected incidents, including multiple arson attacks targeting properties linked to Utai's family. On Wednesday, police responded to reports of gunfire at a home in St Clair, where a woman in her 50s escaped unharmed. Later that day, a car was set alight in Colyton, followed by a house and vehicle fire in Guildford West.
Authorities say all the attacks appear to be directed at the same family. Utai, who played 167 NRL games for the Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers and represented both New Zealand and Samoa internationally, is not suspected of any criminal involvement.
Bail decisions and next steps
The 16-year-old boy was denied bail and is scheduled to appear in a children's court on Friday, 20 February. Both 19-year-old men were also refused bail, while the 18-year-old was released on conditional bail.
Investigators continue to examine evidence and motives behind the attacks, with further charges possible as the case develops.
