Mary Fowler detail behind bombshell Nathan Cleary exit claim

Mary Fowler is expected to hold a lot of sway over Nathan Cleary’s next club, with the NRL star urged to leave the Panthers.

Nathan Cleary has been increasingly linked with a Panthers exit in recent months, with rumours from an English Super League move to a rugby defection floated.
But according to veteran NRL pundit Andrew Voss, the halfback’s next move will almost certainly be for love, following Matildas superstar Mary Fowler to the UK where she plays for powerhouse football club Manchester City.

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Cleary is contracted to the Panthers until the end of 2027 but Voss believes the time is now for the star halfback to capitalise on the pull of his surname and make the move to the northern hemisphere.

“I’ll get a little romantic,” Voss said to his co-host on SEN 1170 Breakfast on Tuesday.

“There is no doubt the young man is in love and his love is on the other side of the world and his love is never coming back to Australia for her sporting career because she can’t.

“Nathan has won four premierships, Origin, he’s a Test player, World Cup; he has achieved all the things you want to do in a career and I’m saying love might win out here.

Nathan Cleary has been tipped to move to England to be closer to partner Mary Fowler. Image: Getty/Instagram

“I’m not saying playing union but I can see Cleary playing in the northern hemisphere.

“It’s obvious they’re in love and how long can that relationship be on the other side of the world when there is a solution?”

However, there are two major barriers stopping that move.

Firstly Cleary still has two years to run on his Panthers deal after the current season.

But much like Penrith’s decision to let James Fisher-Harris break his contract for family reasons at the end of last year, it would be a possibility the club would grant his wish to leave especially if it was to follow his heart abroad instead of playing for a rival NRL team or code hopping.

The second problem is trickier, and that is the issue that Super League players don’t earn anywhere near the money of NRL stars.

But as rumours circulate that NRL Europe could soon be a reality, Voss believes Cleary could be playing in England come next year.

Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler continue to go from strength to strength.

Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowlercontinue to spend time together whatever chance they get. Picture: Instagram

“If NRL Europe comes into being and I think it will be announced later in the year with grandiose plans,” he said.

“Teams in London and France, they will pick how they want the comp to look.

“I don’t know where the money comes from but I think a London marquee signing of Cleary at some stage makes sense.

“Nathan Cleary ticks a massive box, that gives them the headline they want, they become an A-list couple, I’m talking massive picture here.”

Voss’ comments come after earlier this year former NRL hardman Mark Carroll urged the halfback to follow his heart.

Andrew Voss believes Nathan Cleary could be set to move abroad. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Mark Carroll has called on Cleary to follow his heart. Picture: Owen Yang

“The great thing about Cleary is he can have his cake and eat it, too. He doesn’t have to quit rugby league to be with the love of his life,” Carroll wrote in his weekly column for The Nightly.

“Cleary’s won four premierships with Penrith, landed two Clive Churchill medals and played in three winning State of Origin series with NSW. He’s represented Australia in five Tests, helping the Kangaroos to a World Cup victory in 2021.

“He will be part of the revived Kangaroo tour at the end of the year, providing he is fit. At 27, the half-back’s legacy in the game is ensured. There’s not much more for him to prove.

“I’m sure he and Mary have discussed a move and I hope he does take the leap. It would not only be a great love story, but Cleary’s move into uncharted rugby league waters would also capture the hearts of fans in two countries.”

Originally published as Mary Fowler detail behind bombshell Nathan Cleary exit claim