Canterbury Bulldogs winger Marcelo Montoya has found himself at the centre of unexpected off-field speculation, addressing bizarre rumours concerning a very personal injury that kept him from recent matches.
The 28-year-old Fijian international took to social media to clarify the situation after unusual theories about his absence began circulating among fans and commentators. The speculation bizarrely suggested Montoya had suffered complications from a private medical procedure.
Montoya's wife, Tayla, also entered the conversation, publicly supporting her husband while addressing the intrusive nature of the rumours. The couple appeared to handle the situation with humour and grace despite its personal nature.
The Bulldogs management confirmed Montoya's legitimate medical absence through official channels, emphasising their support for the player during his recovery period. Club officials declined to specify the exact nature of the injury, citing privacy reasons.
This incident highlights the challenging intersection between professional athletes' public profiles and their right to medical privacy. Montoya's approach to addressing the speculation directly has been noted as a modern example of how sports personalities manage off-field narratives in the social media age.
The NRL community has largely supported Montoya's handling of the situation, with many commentators praising his straightforward response to the unusual speculation.
