Nathan Cleary reveals wild car chase after Mary Fowler rumours

Nathan Cleary has detailed an eye-opening moment that unfolded with the paparazzi before his relationship with Mary Fowler went public.

Nathan Cleary has lifted the lid on just how crazy things got when rumours of his relationship with Mary Fowler first began to trickle out.

The Penrith Panthers skipper revealed he was involved in a “car chase” with paparazzi before the duo event went public with their relationship late last year.

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The rumour mill was sent into overdrive last year as speculation ran rife the pair had become an item after they were spotting getting an ice cream together.

Fowler, 21, and Cleary, 26, went public with their relationship in November last year, but it was in the days prior when the NRL star was involved in an eye-opening situation.

Speaking on the upcoming episode of Nine’s Marlee and Me podcast, Cleary detailed how paparazzi were so keen to break the story they followed his car through the streets of Sydney.

The duo have become Australia’s number one sporting power couple. Picture Instagram @maryfowlerrr

“One day I was driving and I realised this car was following me … then I took a few turns, took a few turns, they took the exact same turns. I was pretty much in a car chase,” Cleary said.

“That was like mind blowing to me. I understand it, I guess, because people care. But, also I just thought you deserve some sort of private life.

“I probably felt more sorry for her to be honest. She’s younger than I am, and after the World Cup happened she became quite a public figure.

“It all happened so quick, and now her relationship is in the public eye, it was hard to wrap your head around.”

Everyone wanted to be the first to break the story. Picture Instagram @_nathancleary

While Cleary says interest in the couple has dropped down from where it was in the early stages of the relationship, he said he’s become accustomed to being overlooked by fans.

“If we go out and people see us, they’re always really nice and we have some pretty nice interactions,” Cleary said.

“You can’t look at it in a negative light all the time. We’re actually in a position where we can have a positive influence on people and make a little kid’s day by getting a photo or something like that.

“But sometimes I get brushed, ‘Oh, not you’.”

Fans can’t get enough of the loved up couple. Picture Instagram @_nathancleary

Rumours have swirled over Cleary’s future. Photo: Instagram

Interest however in the couple was thrust back into the spotlight this week when Cleary’s future in the NRL became the subject of swirling rumours.

Murmurings have spread that the Panthers halfback wants to be closer to Fowler with a potential move to the UK at some stage in the next few years.

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.

While it seems unlikely any move would eventuate with Cleary signed to the Panthers until the end of the 2027 season, it didn’t stop teammate Mitch Kenny from adding to the rumours.

Kenny was asked about the swirling reports on NRL 360 and didn’t flinch when delivering his response.

“Yeah, three years, Warrington,” Kenny said as the panel broke out into laughter.

Cleary and the Panthers will push the rumours to the side as they prepare for a preliminary final showdown against the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday night.

A win will keep their hopes of securing a fourth-straight NRL title alive.

Originally published as Nathan Cleary reveals wild car chase after Mary Fowler rumours