Bulldogs winger Marcelo Montoya has announced his immediate retirement from the NRL after initially saying he would call it quits at season’s end. The Bulldogs announced on Tuesday afternoon that the 30-year-old has retired effective immediately and won’t play on until the end of 2026 like he originally announced last month.
Montoya played 162 NRL games – 70 for the Bulldogs across two stints and 82 for the New Zealand Warriors. He also played nine Tests for Fiji, but his immediate retirement means he won’t feature at the World Cup at the end of the year.
Marcelo Montoya has retired with immediate effect. Image: Getty
He informed teammates at training on Tuesday that his last-ever game was in NSW Cup last weekend. “Although I had the intention to finish off the season, the reality is my body just can’t keep up with the rigours of first-grade footy anymore,” Montoya said in a statement.
“I want to thank the Bulldogs for giving me my NRL debut back in 2017 and for bringing me back home to allow me to finish my career where it started.”
Montoya will remain at the Bulldogs in a wellbeing role while also assisting within the club’s pathways system. “I’m excited to begin my next chapter – and will be cheering the boys on as they prepare for a big back end of the season,” he added.
Marcelo Montoya had originally stated he’s retire at season’s end. Image: Getty
NRL world pays tribute to Marcelo Montoya
Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould said in a statement: “Marcelo has been wonderful for our club since his return. His professionalism and work ethic, his care factor for his teammates, his toughness and resilience, have all been an example to our younger generation of players. He’s been a valuable and very popular team member. He’s a real Bulldog.”
The Bulldogs shared video on social media of Montoya receiving his coach’s shirt at training after telling his teammates of his immediate retirement.
One fan wrote: “Marcello has been a great player over a period of time and it is heartwarming to see him close this chapter where it all started. Well done and wish you well for the next challenge.”
Others were stunned and saddened after thinking he’d play out the season. “Would love to have seen that last game be in first grade. Well done Marc and best wishes moving post footy,” another person wrote. While a third added: “Spewing you didn’t get a last game send off Marc, you will be missed.”
