Former Toa Samoa and NRL player Matt Utai was seriously injured in a drive-by shooting early Tuesday in Western Sydney.

Utai was shot in the leg and shoulder.

Police and emergency services were called to a street in Greenacre around 6 am after reports of multiple gunshots. Investigators say occupants of an SUV fired at Utai outside a home before fleeing. A short time later, police found an SUV on fire on a nearby street and believe the incidents are linked.

The 44-year-old former player was treated at the scene for multiple gunshot wounds and taken to the hospital, where he underwent surgery. Authorities say Utai is not involved in organised crime.

"I heard like five gunshots," neighbour Habebeh said. "So we walked down, and I see the guy on the floor. I woke up from the noise and the guy screaming."

Utai played more than 160 first-grade NRL games, including a premiership-winning season with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2004. The club described him as a “beloved part of the Bulldogs family” and said thoughts are with Utai and his loved ones.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, with whom Mr Utai won a premiership in 2004, said it was "saddened" to learn of the shooting.

"The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the incident involving former player Matt Utai this morning," the club said in a statement.

"Matt is a beloved part of the Bulldogs family. He played 127 first-grade games for the Club and was instrumental in the 2004 Premiership.

"Our thoughts are with Matt and his family during this extremely difficult time. We are hoping and praying for his full recovery."