Matildas’ star Mary Fowler comforts injured Panthers star Nathan Cleary

Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary has begun to rehabilitate his injured shoulder with the help of his superstar girlfriend Mary Fowler, just back from the Olympics. See the EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS

If anyone was ever going to understand NRL star Nathan Cleary’s elation that he will be back for the finals, it was girlfriend and Matildas’ star Mary Fowler.

The Penrith halfback was left sweating on the results of shoulder scans after leaving the field in agony against the Storm last Thursday night.

There were fears that his season - and with it the premiership-hopes of reigning titleholders Penrith - could be over.

However, with Fowler by the champion halfback’s side as he entered Panthers training on Friday, Cleary was told he could be back on the field for the first week of the finals next month.

“Scans today confirmed that Nathan experienced a recurrence of the shoulder instability he had earlier in the year,’’ a Panthers club statement read.

EXCLUSIVE PICTURES: Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary leaving Penrith Panthers HQ on Friday, with Mary carrying what looks like a tube of x-ray scans. Picture: MEDIA-MODE.COM

“The scans indicate that he has avoided immediate surgery. The positive outcome is that the club plans to have Nathan available for the NRL Finals.”

Fowler is made of similar resilience to her main man, having overcome back and foot injuries throughout her own glittering soccer career.

The 21-year-old was quick to comfort Cleary having just returned from Paris where the Matildas failed to advance from their group.

Cleary is renowned for his 24/7 dedication toward overcoming injuries and will strive to rehabilitate in rapid time in a bid to lead Penrith to a historic fourth consecutive premiership.

However, the bookies aren’t so sure.

Such is the leadership and influence that Cleary has on the Panthers, the TAB have reacted to the injury development by relegating them as premiership-favourites for the first time in 16-months.

The Storm are $3.25 outright favourites with the Panthers next in line at $3.75.

Originally published as Matildas’ star Mary Fowler comforts injured Panthers star Nathan Cleary