Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs winger Marcelo Montoya has announced he will retire from the NRL at the end of the 2026 season.
Montoya, a local junior, made his first-grade debut in 2017 for the Bulldogs and has gone on to enjoy a successful career that’s included over 160 NRL games – and counting – as well as proudly representing Fiji on nine occasions.
After progressing through the Club’s pathways system, the Bankstown Bulls product burst onto the scene in Round 3 of the 2017 season, marking the milestone with a try in the Bulldogs’ 24-12 win over the Warriors. It was a sign of things to come with Montoya finishing the year with 12 tries in 19 games and being named the Club’s Steve Mortimer Rookie of the Year.
Montoya joined the New Zealand Warriors in 2021 where he continued to earn a reputation of a hard-hitting and high-energy outside back throughout his four seasons across the ditch.
However when the opportunity arose for Montoya, 30, to return home to Belmore for the 2025 season he pounced, and he’s proven to be a key member of Cameron Ciraldo’s squad, playing 26 games over the last two years.
Montoya’s leadership, tenacity, care and passion will leave a mark on both Bulldogs players and staff, but for now it’s full steam ahead for the remainder of the season.
“I started my career here so it feels right to also finish it as a Bulldog,” Montoya said.
From the kid running around for the Bankstown Bulls to playing in NRL Finals series’ and representing my culture on the biggest stages, I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunities rugby league have given myself and my family.
“While I’m excited for the next chapter, I’m 100% focussed on finishing this season off strongly and hopefully doing something special with my brothers.”
