Penrith roasted for ‘disrespectful’ Mary Fowler quip

Penrith boss Brian Fletcher has moved to defend his divisive comments about Mary Fowler which have been branded “disrespectful”.

Nathan Cleary, Mary Fowler and Simon Hill. Photo: Instagram, @maryfowlerrr and ABC Offsiders.

Penrith boss Brian Fletcher has moved to defend his divisive comments about Mary Fowler which have been branded “disrespectful”.

The Panthers CEO caused a stir last week when he quipped at the club’s premiership celebrations the organisation should try to “bring Mary back” to Australia.

That comment was made as rumours swirled Fowler’s boyfriend Nathan Cleary could consider a future move to the UK to play in the Super League as a means to be closer to his partner.

Fowler spends most of her year in the UK and has been in red hot form for Manchester City this season.

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Fletcher’s light-hearted remark rubbed some the wrong way and the successful rugby league administrator was forced to defend his comment this weekend.

Fletcher told Sky Sports radio on Sunday: “It was light-hearted. We’ve got Nathan and Ivan signed up till the end of ‘27 and it’s our job – or my job – to try to extend that out as far as we can to keep them both at the foot of the mountains until their rugby league days are over.

The couple went public in April. Photo: Instagram

The loved up couple. Picture Instagram @_nathancleary

“It’d take a lot of speculation out of it if she (Fowler) did come home, but that’s between her and Nathan and we don’t interfere in those matters.”

Cleary has been holidaying in the UK with Fowler and the pair watched on together during Sunday morning’s Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford.

Cleary made a surprise TV appearance during the game and smiled when asked about the possibility of a move to the UK.

Sky Sports presenter Jenna Brooks asked Cleary: “There’s been these persistent rumours and they’re just not going away that perhaps we might see you playing in Super League in the not too distant future given that Mary Fowler, you’re beautiful girlfriend is playing over here for Manchester City. So when can we see you in Super League — maybe Hull KR?”

Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary spotted at Old Trafford. Photo: Sky Sports.

The NSW State of Origin playmaker responded: “Not any time soon, to be honest.”

“I’ve seen all the rumours. But get to come over here and see her (Mary) play, which is nice and have a break. But won’t be moving over here anytime soon.”

Fletcher’s comments were a hot topic on ABC Offsiders on Sunday with host Kelli Underwood describing the concept of Fowler moving back home for the sake of her partner’s career “eighties stuff”.

Football commentator Simon Hill said he gave Fletcher the benefit of the doubt.

“I hope it’s tongue-in-cheek. I think it was,” he said.

“If he’s being serious, it’s a bit disrespectful to our game and to Mary Fowler to expect she would pack her bags in Europe and come back to Australia. She probably earns more money than Nathan Cleary, and certainly will do in future years, because she’ll be the big star of the Matildas.

“Let’s give him (Fletcher) the benefit of the doubt and say he was half joking. I certainly hope he was.”

Fletcher got a bit carried away when speaking at the club’s fan day last week when talking about the club’s future success while Nathan and coach Ivan Cleary are still there.

“Last year on radio I said if we win in ‘23, we’ll definitely win in ‘24 and ‘25,” Fletcher told the crowd. “So don’t be afraid of next year.

Nathan Cleary, Mary Fowler and Simon Hill. Photo: Instagram, @maryfowlerrr and ABC Offsiders.

“We’ve also got ‘26 and ‘27 to go.

“And why I say that is, Ivan Cleary and Nathan Cleary are signed until the end of ‘27.

“It’s my job and the CEO of football, Matt Cameron, to extend that as far as we can.

“Matt’s job also is he’s got to bring Mary back to Australia.”

Fletcher and Cleary’s agent George Mimis have both previously insisted Cleary has never spoken to them of having interest in playing in the Super League.

He remains contracted with Penrith through to the end of the 2027 season.

However, it has his own comments that first started the rumours.

Speaking to UK journalists ahead of Penrith’s World Club Challenge in February, Cleary said: “I’m not against it [a Super League move]. I have a pretty open mind to that kind of stuff.

“I think just being able to experience different cultures and different experiences is something I enjoy doing. I’m not closed off to that idea.”

He said at the time a UK sea change was appealing for many reasons, having enjoyed his time based in Manchester during the Kangaroos’ 2021 World Cup campaign.

Fowler and Cleary, 26, went public with their relationship in April but have been seeing each other since November last year.