In a recent development, the New Zealand Warriors have announced that winger Marcelo Montoya will be leaving the club to return to Australia. The 28-year-old, who joined the Warriors in 2021, has been granted an early release from the final year of his contract to secure a longer-term deal with another club. Warriors general manager of recruitment, pathways, and development, Andrew McFadden, stated, “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.” ([rnz.co.nz](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/530467/marcelo-montoya-to-leave-warriors-former-club-likely-destination?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Montoya’s departure comes after a notable tenure with the Warriors, during which he made 82 appearances and scored 30 tries. In May 2023, he had extended his contract with the Warriors until the end of the 2025 NRL season, with head coach Andrew Webster praising him as “a terrific player and person to have at our club.” ([warriors.kiwi](https://www.warriors.kiwi/news/2023/05/01/montoya-re-signed-until-2025/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
While the specific club Montoya will join has not been officially confirmed, reports suggest a return to his former team, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, is likely. This move would align with recent developments, as the Bulldogs are seeking to bolster their squad following the departure of winger Josh Addo-Carr. ([rnz.co.nz](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/530467/marcelo-montoya-to-leave-warriors-former-club-likely-destination?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
In response to Montoya’s exit, the Warriors have taken steps to strengthen their roster. The club recently extended the contract of young outside back Ali Leiataua until 2027. Head coach Andrew Webster expressed confidence in Leiataua’s potential, stating, “He was a real threat with his ball running and played with a lot of confidence, aggression, and power.” ([zerotackle.com](https://www.zerotackle.com/new-zealand-warriors-lock-down-young-outside-back-215316/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Additionally, the Warriors have secured a contract extension for winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, keeping him with the club until the end of 2027. Watene-Zelezniak’s re-signing is seen as a significant move to maintain depth and experience in the team’s backline. ([aapnews.aap.com.au](https://aapnews.aap.com.au/news/star-winger-signs-nrl-contract-extension-at-warriors?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Marcelo Montoya’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for both the player and the New Zealand Warriors. As he prepares to embark on the next phase of his career back in Australia, the Warriors are actively reshaping their squad to remain competitive in the upcoming NRL seasons.
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