A beloved sports hero is fighting for his life after a shocking drive-by shooting. But who was the real target?
In a terrifying incident, former Canterbury Bulldogs star Matt Utai was shot twice in Western Sydney, leaving fans and the community reeling. The 44-year-old, a key player in the Bulldogs' 2004 premiership win, was rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds to his stomach and leg.
But here's where it gets controversial: Initial reports suggest Utai may not have been the intended victim. 7NEWS revealed that he was conscious upon arrival at the hospital, raising questions about the motive behind the attack. Was it a case of mistaken identity, or something more sinister?
The shooting occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning on Macquarie Street in Greenacre. Police were called to the scene and found Utai with multiple gunshot wounds. He was shot by the occupants of an SUV, which then fled the scene. Shortly after, a car fire was reported on Samuel Street in Wiley Park, and police believe the two incidents are connected.
This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the NRL community. Utai, a 2002 Dally M Rookie of the Year, played 162 NRL games and is a well-respected figure in the league.
As the investigation unfolds, the question remains: Was this a targeted attack, or a tragic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time? The police are urging anyone with information to come forward, as the search for answers continues.
