Teens arrested over alleged shooting, arson attacks
Sydney Morning Herald
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A group of teenagers has been arrested in connection with a series of violent incidents that allegedly targeted the son of former NRL star Matt Utai. The attacks, which included shooting and arson, followed a spate of crimes believed to be directed at Iziah Utai, prompting police action to apprehend the suspects. These incidents have raised concerns about rising youth gang activity and public safety in the area.
The violent acts occurred over several weeks, with reports indicating that one attack involved a suspected drive-by shooting near Iziah’s family home. Another incident saw an alleged arson attempt at a vehicle parked outside the property. Authorities have identified multiple teenagers as key suspects in these crimes, though details about their motives remain unclear. Investigators are exploring potential links to gang activity or personal vendettas, but no formal charges have been filed yet.
This case has gained significant attention due to Iziah’s high-profile father, Matt Utai, a well-known figure in Australian rugby league. The targeting of his son has sparked widespread concern and drawn media focus on the
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/20/2026