Nathan Cleary, the Penrith Panthers’ star halfback and a hero of their NRL Grand Final triumph, shocked fans by abruptly cutting short the victory celebrations. While the rest of the team reveled in their historic win, Cleary made an unexpected decision to jet off overseas almost immediately. The reason? To be with his girlfriend, Australian football sensation Mary Fowler, who is currently playing for Manchester City in the Women’s Super League.
The Panthers’ victory parade should have been the crowning moment of Cleary’s stellar season. His game-changing plays in the NRL Grand Final were the backbone of Penrith’s championship-winning performance, solidifying his place as one of rugby league’s top players. But instead of basking in the post-match celebrations, Cleary quietly exited the scene, catching many by surprise as he boarded a plane to England.
The reason for his swift departure? To reunite with Mary Fowler, who has been based in the UK, making waves in women’s football with Manchester City and the Australian Matildas. With busy and demanding schedules, the couple has spent much of their relationship separated by thousands of miles.
Cleary’s choice to cut short the celebrations speaks volumes about his commitment to both his personal and professional life. While the timing left some scratching their heads, the move showcased his dedication to maintaining a balance between his career and personal relationships. With Fowler’s growing prominence on the international stage and Cleary’s status as one of the NRL’s biggest stars, the demands on their time have been intense.
Sources close to the couple have suggested that Cleary wanted to show his support for Fowler as she continues her career in Europe. The pair have maintained a strong long-distance relationship despite their sporting commitments, but with seasons often overlapping, finding time to be together has proven difficult.
While many fans expressed admiration for Cleary’s decision, praising him for prioritizing his personal life, others were disappointed not to see their captain fully embrace the Panthers’ victory celebrations. Social media was awash with opinions, with some calling it “romantic” and “commendable” while others voiced frustration over his early departure.
However, those close to the Panthers’ star defended his actions, pointing out that Cleary has always been a grounded individual who understands the importance of family and relationships. His father, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary, reportedly supported Nathan’s decision, recognizing the pressures both he and Fowler face in their respective careers.
As the dust settles on yet another stellar season for the Panthers, Cleary’s quick exit raises questions about his offseason plans. Will this brief respite with Fowler recharge him for another title defense? With speculation swirling about the couple’s future and how they manage their cross-continental relationship, all eyes will be on Cleary when he eventually returns to Australia.
For now, though, the NRL star is enjoying some much-needed downtime with Mary Fowler, making the most of the rare opportunity to be together.
In the end, Nathan Cleary’s decision to prioritize love over lingering in the spotlight might just be the power move no one saw coming. While the Panthers may miss their star during the victory parade, fans know that their halfback’s heart is always in the right place on and off the field.
