NRL 2024: Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler spotted at Super League grand final, Penrith superstar addresses Super League switch rumour

Penrith champion Nathan Cleary has been spotted at the Super League grand final with Matildas star and girlfriend Mary Fowler, with the halfback addressing rumours of a shock switch to the UK to be closer to her.

Fatima Kdouh

@FatimaKdouh_

2 min read

October 13, 2024 - 9:44AM

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Penrith champion Nathan Cleary has addressed the persistent rumours that he could be defecting to the English Super League to be closer to Matildas star and girlfriend Mary Fowler.

Australia’s sporting power couple were spotted in the crowd at Old Trafford, where the pair were cheering on Hull KR in the Super League grand final against Wigan Warriors.

Cleary, wearing a Hull KR jersey in support of his former Penrith teammate and best friend Tyrone May, emphatically shot down speculation over his playing future.

“Not anytime soon to be honest. I’ve seen all the rumours but to get to come over here and see here play, which is nice and just have a break.” Cleary said on Sky Sports when asked if he would be making a switch to England.

“But I won’t be moving over here anytime soon.”

After the week celebrating Penrith’s historic four-straight title wins, Cleary travelled to England to spend time with Fowler before going under the knife to repair a shoulder injury he carried throughout the finals series.

Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary spotted at Old Trafford watching the English Super League grand final. Picture: Sky Sports

Nathan Cleary was on hand to watch best friend Tyrone May. Picture: Sky Sports

The Manchester City striker will line-up against Liverpool on Sunday, where Cleary will be on hand at Anfield.

“The (celebrations) were great, it was a couple of big days,” Cleary said.

“Honestly, it feels surreal still. I’m very grateful for what we have been able to do. Now I get some down time to be able to enjoy and relax.”

Hull KR's former Panthers star Tyrone May and Nathan Cleary. Picture: Instagram

The Wigan Warriors were crowned back-to-back Super League champions after a hard fought 9-2 victory over Hull KR.

While Cleary was there to cheer on May, the superstar halfback was full of praise for Warriors playmaker and former Parramatta star Bevan French, whose first half try proved to be the difference.

“It’s great to be here, it’s a great atmosphere,” Cleary said.

“I’m just here supporting my best mate Tyrone May. It’s been pretty hardly fought. I thought Hull started to win the field position but Bevan French, he’s a freak.

“He just broke the game open and every time he touched the ball he looked dangerous.”

Cleary’s Penrith and Wigan were set to clash in next year’s World Club Challenge but with both sides headed to Las Vegas next year, there is doubt over whether the fixture will be played in 2025.