Marcelo Montoya of the Warriors celebrates a try against the Melbourne Storm. Photo: photosport
Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya is leaving the club to return to Australia.
The club confirmed on Friday that the 28-year-old, who captained the side in a preseason match earlier this year, has been granted a release from the last year of his contract after originally joining the club in 2021.
"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," said Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
That club is widely believed to be Montoya's former team the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. The Daily Telegraph reported yesterday that the Bulldogs were planning to replace Josh Addo-Carr after the former NSW Origin winger's recent drug scandal. Addo-Carr has been granted permission to leave the Bulldogs.
Montoya scored 19 tries in four seasons with the Bulldogs, playing 54 games from 2017 to 2020.
"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 is unknown if the couple's podcast The Montoyas, described as Keeping Up with the Kardashians crossed with Modern Family, will continue after his departure from Auckland.
Montoya scored 30 tries in his 82 appearances for the Warriors, playing all 27 games in 2023.
His departure means the club's turnover from this season is now at least three first choice players, with Montoya joining Shaun Johnson and Addin Fonua-Blake.
