Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya is set to leave the club to return to Australia. The club confirmed on Friday that the 28-year-old, who served as captain in a preseason match this year, has been given a release from the final year of his contract after joining the Warriors in 2021.
Andrew McFadden, the Warriors’ general manager of recruitment, pathways, and development, expressed support for Montoya’s decision, stating, “We were happy for Marcelo to see out his contract with us, but we’re really pleased he has found a club back in Australia giving him longer-term security.”
Montoya is widely expected to return to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, his former team. Reports suggest the Bulldogs are looking to fill the gap left by Josh Addo-Carr, who recently faced a drug scandal and has been granted permission to leave the team.
During his time with the Bulldogs, Montoya scored 19 tries over four seasons, participating in 54 games from 2017 to 2020. McFadden praised Montoya for his contributions, noting, “He has been a terrific person to have at our club for the last four seasons. He made a major contribution on and off the field and we wish him and his wife, Tayla, all the best for their future.”
It remains uncertain if the couple will continue their podcast, “The Montoyas,” which has been likened to a blend of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and “Modern Family,” following their move from Auckland.
Montoya tallied 30 tries in his 82 appearances for the Warriors, playing all 27 games in the 2023 season. His departure adds to the turnover at the club, with at least three first-choice players leaving, including Shaun Johnson and Addin Fonua-Blake.