Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya is departing from the club to return to Australia. The club announced on Friday that the 28-year-old, who served as captain in a preseason match this year, has been granted a release from the final year of his contract after joining the Warriors in 2021.
Andrew McFadden, the club’s general manager of recruitment, pathways, and development, expressed support for Montoya’s decision to move back to Australia, emphasizing the security that this transition will provide him.
Montoya is widely expected to rejoin his former team, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, as reports suggest they are looking to fill the position of Josh Addo-Carr following the winger’s recent issues. Montoya had an impressive tenure with the Bulldogs from 2017 to 2020, scoring 19 tries over 54 games.
The club acknowledged Montoya’s significant contributions both on and off the field during his four-year stint, wishing him and his wife, Tayla, the best for their future endeavors.
It remains uncertain whether the couple’s podcast, “The Montoyas,” will continue after Montoya’s move from Auckland. Throughout his time with the Warriors, Montoya scored 30 tries in 82 matches and played all 27 games in the 2023 season.
With Montoya’s exit, the Warriors have now experienced a turnover of at least three first-choice players this season, with Shaun Johnson and Addin Fonua-Blake also departing.