Insane Nathan Cleary, Mary Fowler rumour blowing minds

A rumour spreading about the future of Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler has been addressed after panic shot through fans.

Nathan Cleary’s future in the NRL has suddenly come under the spotlight with rumours swirling the Panthers star has considered moving to the UK.

Murmurings have spread that the Panthers halfback wants to be closer to girlfriend Mary Fowler as their relationship continues to blossom despite the pair living on opposite sides of the globe.

As first reported by News Corp, Panthers chief executive Brian Fletcher and Cleary’s agent George Mimis have both insisted the bombshell move has never been discussed.

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Cleary earlier this year raised eyebrows when discussing the possibility of moving to the UK to be closer to the Matildas star, who plays her club football for Manchester City.

According to the rumour mill, Cleary was considering exploring the option of taking a year away to play one season for a Super League club in the UK.

The rumour has sent panic shooting through Panthers fans, but it seems unlikely any move would eventuate with Cleary signed to the Panthers until the end of the 2027 season.

The Daily Telegraph reported in July the club had opened talks about extending Cleary’s contract even further as part of a $13.5 million super deal that would keep Nathan and father Ivan — his coach — together.

Matildas soccer star Mary Fowler are relationship goals. Picture Instagram @maryfowlerrr.

Speaking to UK journalists ahead of Penrith’s World Club Challenge match against Wigan 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.

“I was lucky enough to spend almost two months in Manchester for the World Cup and really enjoyed it,” he said.

“I’m lucky enough to know a bit about the town now and know where everything is so it’s good to be back.

The loved up couple always cause a commotion on social media. Picture Instagram @_nathancleary

Recent instagram images of Penrith's Nathan Cleary spending time with Mary Fowler. Picture Instagram @maryfowlerrr

“I actually really like just being able to wander around the streets and no one knows who you are. I think I’ve only been recognised once. It’s a nice change (to Sydney).”

He also said in an interview with The Sun that a possible move could be considered “down the track”.

“I’ve got great admiration for the English fans, the way they sing and get into it. I’m sure I’ll cop a fair bit of stick from the Wigan supporters but I’m looking forward to that,” he said.

“But I do enjoy just being able to live a regular life and somewhere down the track I wouldn’t be too opposed to trying it over here.

“I’ve plenty of things to do at Penrith first, though. Winning the World Club Challenge is one of them.”

Winning a fourth consecutive NRL Grand Final is no doubt one of the other things on his wish list.

The latest rumours are far from the only time Cleary’s private life has overshadowed his team’s performances.

Star winger Brian To’o fuelled another rumour surrounding the power couple after Penrith’s win over Gold Coast this month.

Brian To’o fuelled the Fowler, Cleary rumours.

As he spoke with Fox Sports’ Yvonne Sampson during a post-game interview, the cheeky Panthers star took full advantage of his moment.

“Brian we can hear the fans hanging over the fence screaming, is that because of Nathan?” Sampson asked.

“Nathan … oh yeah he’s over here with Mary. They’re just chatting on the side and everyone is going crazy. They’re pretty much here for Nathan and Mary,” To’o began before dropping the bombshell with tongue firmly in cheek.

“Congrats to them … I think they got engaged. So yeah, congrats to them.”

Penrith teammates, including Jarome Luai, have also enjoyed stoking rumours about Cleary’s love life.

The couple only made their relationship official in April, but have since admitted they began seeing each other in November.

Despite the long-distance relationship, the loved up couple got to spend plenty of time together after Fowler returned home as Cleary was sidelined with injury earlier this year.

Photos of the pair out and about in Sydney in June showed the affectionate couple looking surprisingly at ease in front of the cameras.

However, it is now business time for the two athletes as Cleary’s Panthers prepare to face Cronulla in a preliminary final blockbuster at Accor Stadium on Saturday night.

Fowler has also been in red hot form for City and scored an easy goal in her team’s 5-0 thumping of Paris FC in the Women’s Champions League last week.

Originally published as Insane Nathan Cleary, Mary Fowler rumour blowing minds