LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
From the land of Suva to the streets of Santiago: Montoya's unique cultural blend
When Marcelo Montoya charges down the rugby league field, it's clear to see the unmistakable traits often associated with the exceptional Fijian athletes.
He has the speed to leave defenders in his wake, but if you try to stand in his way, he's just as likely to bulldoze right through you - a nod to his Suva-born mother, Litiana.
Yet, talk to the 28-year-old Warrior and he'll tell you that his Chilean roots, inherited from his father Marcello Snr, also play a significant role in his playing style.
At times, he admits, this mixture of influences can work against him on the field.
An engineer by trade, Marcelo Snr originally hails from the bustling streets of Santiago, Chile.
It was during his time building a marina in Fiji that he crossed paths with Litiana, who was working at a local resort.
Their union saw Marcelo Snr fully embrace the Fijian way of life, providing young Marcelo Jnr with a childhood immersed in the rich culture of his mother's homeland.
However, this also meant that Marcelo missed out on delving deeper into his Chilean heritage from his late father, who sadly passed away in 2019.
The unique blend of Fijian grit and Chilean spirit has shaped Marcelo Montoya's approach to the game, making him a force to be reckoned with on the field.
With a background as diverse as his, Montoya truly embodies the global nature of rugby league and the power of cultural influences in shaping a player's journey.