As many as five men could have been involved in the "vicious and brutal" stabbing of a 33-year-old man outside a western Sydney pub.
The man is in a serious condition in hospital after being knifed several times in the stomach and neck near the Lone Pine Tavern at Rooty Hill on Sunday night.
Detective Inspector Dave Goddard says as many as five men were believed to have taken part in the "cowardly" knifing.
"The attack at this stage we believe to be unprovoked," Det Insp Goddard told reporters at Mt Druitt on Monday.
"It's important we identify the people involved in this vicious and brutal attack."
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Insp Goddard said the victim watched the NRL grand final at the pub with a friend and left after it finished.
The man was attacked in a park opposite the hotel and officers found him just before 10pm (AEDT), he said.
Insp Goddard said there was no suggestion of trouble inside the hotel before the attack.
The victim, who was treated at the scene and taken by paramedics to Westmead Hospital, was lucky not to suffer more serious injuries, he said.
"He's extremely lucky," Insp Goddard said.
"If I were him, I'd be buying a lottery ticket."
Insp Goddard said police had not yet been able speak to the victim but were working to identify the attackers.
Police want to speak to the driver of a white sedan seen leaving the area shortly after the incident.
