Mary Fowler’s bombshell defection to support Nathan Cleary’s NSW Blues
Upon his return to the NSW Origin side, Nathan Cleary has confirmed the stunning defection of his superstar girlfriend Mary Fowler.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Nathan Cleary is back with NSW and has a chance to finally dominate the last arena missing from his stellar resume, State of Origin.
The 27-year-old has already picked up one huge win before the opening kick-off, however, recruiting superstar girlfriend Mary Fowler to support the Blues.
FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.
Cleary has already played 14 games for his state, but the halfback has a checkered history in the Origin cauldron.
While he was part of series wins in his first two campaigns in 2018 and 2019, he has also faced heavy criticism over some of his performances, particularly in the 2020 and 2022 defeats to Queensland.
Injuries have also played a part, with Cleary sitting out the past five Origin matches dating back to game one of 2023, but he will have a high-profile supporter on his side when he runs out for the Blues at Suncorp Stadium on May 28.
Watch Nathan Cleary discussing Mary Fowler in the video player above
Fowler, 22, was born in Cairns and is a proud Queenslander, but had never taken much interest in rugby league prior to her relationship with Cleary.
So the Panthers superstar jumped at the chance to welcome her into the NSW fold.
“I’ve welcomed her on board, don’t worry,” he told NRL 360.
“She sort of said ‘I don’t really support either team’, so I said you have to support the Blues then.
“The only player she knew before was Johnathan Thurston, that’s the only player she knew, she didn’t really know much about rugby league.
“So I’ve been teaching her and I think I have to send her a jersey over to England too, a Blues one.
“So she’s on board.”
Fowler is currently recovering from a torn ACL she suffered playing for club side Manchester City last month.
While she will seemingly be donning a NSW jersey this year, sadly she is unlikely to attend the series in person as she continues her rehabilitation after surgery in England.
“It’s pretty unfortunate because she was meant to be back last week, so she would have been able to come to the game,” Cleary told CODE Sports.
“But yeah, she’s sort of attacking her rehab at the moment and hopefully she can get back at some stage, but nothing is confirmed yet.”
Cleary is part of a new-look halves pairing for the Blues alongside Parramatta’s Mitch Moses.
Tigers playmaker Jarome Luai, a key part of last year’s successful NSW team, is the unlucky man to miss out on the game one squad.
Cleary said he was “absolutely pumped” to be back in the NSW camp and conceded he wasn’t overly confident about being selected in Laurie Daley’s side.
“There was definitely doubts there for sure, particularly after the feat NSW pulled off last year,” he told 360.
“Both Mitch and ‘Romey’ in the halves did an outstanding job.
“There were certainly doubts throughout the year, particularly the way we started back at club land.
“But very grateful for the call up and think I’m ready to put in some of my best performances and do my best for the team.”
Dean “Bulldog” Ritchie, a veteran NRL reporter for The Daily Telegraph, was among those praising Fowler’s defection on 360.
“I’m not obsessed at all,” he said after a dig from Braith Anasta. “I just think it’s lovely to have Mary on our side.
“A Cairns woman, born and bred in Queensland, now a beautiful Blue right to her heart.”
Game two of this year’s series will be in Perth on June 18 before game three moves to Sydney’s Accor Stadium on July 9.
Originally published as Mary Fowler’s bombshell defection to support Nathan Cleary’s NSW Blues
NRL Live: Work to do for Bulldogs as Dolphins extend lead
The Bulldogs are struggling in the wet conditions but the Dolphins are finding their groove, extending their lead against the ladder-leaders. FOLLOW LIVE
Late Mail: Eels to hand NRL debut to exciting youngster
The Eels will give an NRL debut to a talented young prospect off the bench in their clash against the Sea Eagles. Plus, a key Panthers player has been ruled out due to concussion.