Former Kiwis player in critical condition after being shot in drive-by shooting

Sport Nation • February 17th, 2026 10:53 am

Matt Utai | Photo: Photosport

Former NRL star and NZ Kiwis representative Matt Utai has reportedly been shot in a drive-by shooting in south-west Sydney.

According to multiple outlets across the Tasman, Utai was struck in the chest and leg by gunshots from an SUV on Tuesday morning but wasn't the intended target of the shooting.

The 44-year-old was rushed to hospital and is currently in critical condition.

Named Dally M rookie of the year in 2002, Utai was a key member of the Canterbury Bulldogs team which won the NRL Premiership in 2004, scoring two tries in the grand final win over the Roosters.

Auckland-born Utai represented New Zealand four times before switching his allegiance to Samoa for the 2008 World Cup.

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Glenn Moore, AAP

Former Kiwis player in critical condition after being shot in drive-by shooting

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