Penrith Panthers’ Nathan Cleary, Matildas star Mary Fowler pictured for the first time

Rumours of a relationship between NRL playmaker Nathan Cleary and Matildas star Mary Fowler have been revived, with the pair snapped on a romantic stroll. SEE THE PHOTO

It is the rumoured relationship of two sporting heroes, with no photo evidence – until now.

Penrith Panthers playmaker Nathan Cleary and FIFA Women’s World Cup Matildas squad champion Mary Fowler have been pictured together for the first time.

The photo, revealed today by The Daily Telegraph, was taken on August 8 as the pair took a stroll along the banks of the Nepean River.

That encounter took place two weeks before the pair was spotted “enjoying an ice cream” together after attending a promotional event for sporting apparel giant Adidas.

Panthers NRL star Nathan Cleary walks along the Nepean River with Matildas star Mary Fowler. Credit: News Corp

It is understood the riverside image pictures the duo’s second outing together in just over two weeks.

Penrith locals, who did not wish to be named, said Cleary, 25, and Fowler, 20, were seen on the Great River Walk at Tench Reserve on Tuesday, August 8 – one day after Australia defeated Denmark in the knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup.

“We were going for a walk along the Nepean River when we saw them,” the Penrith resident said.

“They were taking photos and talking with other locals, and walking up and down the Nepean River together for quite some time.”

Nathan Cleary. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

In the picture the pair, who are both sponsored by Adidas, can be seen smiling together in activewear for the athletic brand, while Cleary stops to talk to some fans just out of frame.

After dating whispers emerged after the ice cream outing, a source from Cleary’s camp told The Daily Telegraph the catch-up was “just ice-cream” and the rugby league ace denied any sort of relationship with Fowler.

Mary Fowler at Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane on August 12, 2023. (Photo by Patrick Hamilton / AFP)

Both Fowler and Cleary follow each other on Instagram.

The Matildas key forward is set to return overseas to her home in the UK to resume her playing football for Manchester City in the English Women’s Super League, following the Matildas history making FIFA Women’s World Cup performance.

NSW Blues State of Origin icon Cleary is poised to lead Penrith to what could be their third consecutive premiership, in the coming weeks.

The Daily Telegraph has contacted both Fowler and Cleary’s management for comment.