Bulldogs' winger announces immediate retirement

Bulldogs winger Marcelo Montoya has announced his immediate retirement from the NRL.

The winger initially announced he would retire at the end of the 2026 season, but has decided to bring his retirement up to effective immediate.

Montoya played 162 games with the Bulldogs and Warriors since debuting in 2017, also representing Fiji on nine occasions.

His retirement rules him out of potentially representing Fiji at the Rugby League World Cup at the end of the season.

Montoya will take on an NRL wellbeing role at the Bulldogs and also assisting within the pathways.

“Although I had the intention to finish off the season, the reality is my body just can’t keep up with the rigors of first-grade footy anymore,” Montoya said.

“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.

“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.”

Bulldogs General Manager of Football Phil Gould paid credit to Montoya following his announcement.

“Marcelo has been wonderful for our Club since his return,” he said.

“His professionalism and work ethic, his care factor for his team-mates, 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.”