Gold Coast shooting victim is ex-rugby representative

A New Zealand man shot five times on the Gold Coast is a former Southland rugby representative.

Pita Wilson, 30, formerly from Queenstown, remains in a serious but stable condition under police guard at Gold Coast hospital in Australia after the execution style shooting which is thought to be gang-related.

Mr Wilson made the Southland Stags in 2003 after playing for North Harbour, the Otago Daily Times reported today.

His stay with the Stags was hampered by two alcohol-related incidents, one of which led to a conviction for assault after a fight in the Tekapo Tavern.

In the early 1990s, Mr Wilson played for Waitaki Boys High School, as a junior, then for Otago Boys High School after moving there to finish his schooling. He also played for the Green Island club.

It is understood Mr Wilson had been involved in cage-fighting in Japan for several years.

Police alleged Yassar Bakir, 31, shot Mr Wilson three to five times in the stomach, hands and shoulder on a secluded road north of Surfers Paradise, about 9.15pm (11.15pm NZ time) last Friday following an altercation between the pair.

An arrest warrant for Bakir -- an alleged senior member of the Finks biker gang -- has been issued.

Gold Coast bouncer Steven Milton Hill, 27, who allegedly drove Mr Wilson to meet Bakir appeared in court yesterday charged with Mr Wilson's attempted murder and freed on bail.

Police prosecutor Constable Sarah Fox said the meeting between Mr Wilson and Bakir was supposed to take place at popular tourist spot Fishermans Wharf but Hill continued driving Mr Wilson along a dark stretch of road.

Mr Wilson spotted a man walking along the road and Hill stopped his jeep to let him (Mr Wilson) out for the pre-arranged meeting. He then drove off.

- NZPA