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Live sport on SN this weekend'My body’s cooked': Montoya opens up on early NRL retirement
Sport Nation • July 24th, 2026 2:28 pm
Marcelo Montoya enjoyed some memorable moments in his stint with the Warriors | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/AAP
Marcelo Montoya built his NRL career on running hard, defending harder and throwing his body into places others would not.
Eventually, that body had enough.
The former Warriors and Bulldogs winger has called time on his NRL career after 162 games, admitting the decision came sooner than he wanted.
"It’s been a tough year for myself and for my body,” Montoya told Sport Nation Afternoons.
“Recently, just dealing with trying to get the body right. So yeah, I called it quits a bit earlier than what I wanted to.
“But it is all part of God’s plan. I’m just grateful that I was able to do what I’ve done.”
Montoya was listed at 95 kilograms, but often played like a man twice his size - even Phil Gould had a line for it.
“I think Gus Gould said it to me the other day, he said some players play with their brains and some play with their bodies,” Montoya said.
“He goes, ‘I’m not saying you’re stupid, but you play with your body.’
“I said, ‘Yeah, that makes sense.’”
Marcelo Montoya | Photo: AP
Across 80 games for the Bulldogs and 82 for the Warriors, Montoya became known as one of the game’s most honest competitors.
His favourite memories include debuting for Canterbury against the Warriors in Dunedin, playing a World Cup semi-final for Fiji in 2017, running out at a sold-out Mount Smart, and featuring in the Warriors’ 2023 preliminary final against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
“I think playing at Mount Smart when it’s sold out is absolutely nuts,” he said.
“These are all memories that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
“It was pretty cool that I was able to do it at two special clubs that mean a lot to me.”
Montoya also confirmed he will not be available for Fiji at the end-of-year Rugby League World Cup, despite speaking with coach Mick Potter.
“I kindly said, ‘Look mate, I’d love to play for my country again, but I just can’t.’
“My body’s cooked, boys.”
As much as the Fiji jersey still means to him, Montoya said the next chapter belongs to his family.
“I really want to take this time and this off-season to just appreciate it with my wife and my kid,” he said.
“I’ve been quite selfish my whole career. I think to be an NRL player or to be an athlete in general you have to be selfish, and I think it’s time for me to give back to them.”
Montoya will remain around the Bulldogs, helping the squad before moving into a wellbeing role from November 1.
His playing career is over, but his influence in rugby league is not.
Listen to the full interview below:
