Footy icon Nathan Clearly makes cryptic comment that will fuel speculation his rumoured romance with Matildas star Mary Fowler is ON

Footy icon Nathan is clearly making a cryptic comment that will fuel speculation that his rumored romance with Matildas star Mary Fowler is ON

  • Duo has been spotted together twice
  • Includes ice cream date and riverside walk
  • The latest reactions could show that the romance is real

They’re one of the hottest power couples in Australian sport and now Nathan Cleary has dropped a subtle hint that he’s dating Matildas star Mary Fowler.

The duo turned heads by making two public appearances together after the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Penrith residents saw the 25-year-old NRL star enjoying a walk along the picturesque banks of the Nepean River with 20-year-old Matildas striker for the first time.

They were also seen enjoying an ice cream together after a promotional event with Adidas, a sponsor they both share.

Fowler shares the love with Matildas fans at the Women’s World Cup, but does she also share her heart with Nathan Cleary?

The Penrith playmaker divorced his partner Teah Foot a year ago and has been linked to Matildas star Fowler

The Penrith playmaker divorced his partner Teah Foot a year ago and has been linked to Matildas star Fowler

Nathan Cleary

Mary Fowler

Nathan Cleary is a representative player for New South Wales and Australia, while Fowler plays for Manchester City and also represents her country

Neither side has confirmed or denied the potentially budding romance, but Cleary – who split from former partner Teah Foot last year – dropped a suggestion the couple could be at the launch of the NRL final.

“It is what it is, it’s kind of annoying not having a private life, but I’d rather not talk about it too much and keep everything private,” he said Monday.

“Social media moves pretty fast, but I’ll try to keep my private life if I can.”

To fan the flames even further, Cleary used Fowler’s Matildas as an example of how poppy syndrome can be challenging when you’re at the top of your game.

The Penrith Panthers finished as minor premiers in 2020, 2022 and 2023 and the club is looking for a historic trio of NRL premierships in this year’s finals series.

“(Tall poppy syndrome is) extremely weird,” he said.

“Even not so long ago with the Matildas, everyone was gathered around them. It was great for the country to get back together, but as soon as they lost there were people who nitpicked about it instead of appreciating it for what it was.”

Fowler and Cleary share a sponsorship in Adidas and were both recently at a promotional event for the iconic brand

Fowler and Cleary share a sponsorship in Adidas and were both recently at a promotional event for the iconic brand

Cleary made a telling comment about the Matildas when he talked about falling victim to tall poppy syndrome

Cleary made a telling comment about the Matildas when he talked about falling victim to tall poppy syndrome

The rumors about the potential power couple were first spread on the Hello Sport podcast.

‘Real Men Women’s Weekly vibes. Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler were seen enjoying an ice cream together,” said presenter Tom Birmingham.

“Now they are both sponsored by Adidas and maybe did a function. But you’re having ice cream with someone, that’s saying something. You might as well hold hands.”

Fellow presenter Eddy Simpson said: ‘Unless they’re doing an ice cream commercial, they’re essentially dating.

Birmingham added: ‘That’s actually a hug. It’s the culinary hug when you share an ice cream.’