Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya is set to depart the club and return to Australia. The Warriors confirmed on Friday that the 28-year-old, who served as captain in a preseason match earlier this year, has been released from the final year of his contract after joining the team in 2021.
Andrew McFadden, the Warriors general manager for recruitment, pathways, and development, expressed happiness that Montoya has found a new opportunity in Australia that offers him more long-term security.
Reports suggest that Montoya will likely rejoin the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, where he previously played. The Bulldogs are looking to replace Josh Addo-Carr in light of a recent drug scandal, which has led to Addo-Carr being granted permission to leave the team.
During his time with the Bulldogs from 2017 to 2020, Montoya scored 19 tries in 54 appearances. McFadden praised Montoya for being a valuable presence on and off the field over the past four seasons and extended well wishes to him and his wife, Tayla, for their future endeavors.
It remains unclear if their podcast, “The Montoyas,” which is likened to a blend of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and “Modern Family,” will continue after their move from Auckland.
Montoya registered 30 tries in 82 games for the Warriors and played every match in the 2023 season. His exit marks a significant turnover for the club, which has seen at least three key players, including Shaun Johnson and Addin Fonua-Blake, also depart this season.