Teens arrested over shooting of former NRL star, alleged attacks on son
Sydney Morning Herald
by Riley Walter, Amber SchultzFebruary 20, 2026
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Four teenagers, including a 16-year-old boy, have been arrested in connection with a series of violent incidents targeting former NRL star Matt Utai’s son Iziah, who is believed to be at the center of a growing gangland conflict. Detectives from Strike Force Halesowen raided six properties in Sydney’s south-west, arresting suspects linked to the shooting of Matt Utai and attacks on Iziah’s homes. The 44-year-old former Bulldogs player was critically injured in a brazen drive-by shooting outside his Greenacre home, with police charging the 16-year-old boy as an accessory after the fact for allegedly helping conceal the weapon used in the attack.
The arrests come amid an escalating feud between Iziah’s alleged gang ties and rival groups vying for control of Sydney’s drug market. The Coconut Cartel, a self-proclaimed criminal organization linked to Iziah, has been targeted in multiple attacks, including a firebombing of his Guildford West home and a shooting at another property connected to him. Video evidence shared online by SCN Worldstar shows the destruction, with one clip declaring, “This is the start of the destruction.” The violence has raised concerns about the spiraling gangland conflict and its impact on public safety.
The case highlights the dangerous escalation in organized crime activity in Sydney’s south-west. Detectives are probing Iziah’s alleged involvement in the Coconut Cartel, which has been implicated in several high-profile crimes. While Iziah himself is believed to be overseas, his connections remain a focal point for law enforcement. The arrests and charges demonstrate the lengths authorities are going to disrupt these criminal networks, with suspects facing serious allegations including attempted murder, drug supply, and participation in organized crime groups.
This unfolding situation underscores the broader challenges of gangland conflicts in Australia, particularly their impact on communities and public safety. The targeting of Matt Utai, a high-profile former athlete, has drawn significant attention to the issue, raising questions about
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/20/2026