Revealed: Why Nathan Cleary’s romance with Mary Fowler is fuelling speculation he could play for the NRL’s new Papua New Guinea team

Nathan Cleary’s romance with Matildas star Mary Fowler continues to fuel speculation that the superstar halfback could be a big signing for the new NRL team to be based in Papua New Guinea.

The franchise was formally licensed by the NRL on Thursday, but the move was condemned by some footy fans as a political stunt that wasted $600 million of taxpayers’ money over a decade.

Daily Mail Australia understands PNG will enter the competition in 2028 – following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his PNG counterpart James Marape as they meet in person in Sydney to shake hands on the deal.

It was the culmination of two years of planning that also included Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys.

The yet-to-be-appointed team is seen as a key diplomatic tool for Australia to strengthen ties in the hotly contested Pacific and fend off Chinese expansion in the region, and will cost Australian taxpayers $600 million over 10 years.

The PNG government is also expected to tip $150 million, with rugby league the leading sport in the country.

In 2028, building a competitive NRL squad from the start will be crucial – and Panthers playmaker Cleary will undoubtedly be a primary target.

It may seem very ambitious, but the number 7 champion is out of contract in 2027, meaning he will be a free agent next season.

Daily Mail Australia understands PNG will enter the competition in 2028 – and Nathan Cleary’s contract with Penrith ends in 2027

The sporting power couple will temporarily enter into a long-distance relationship with Fowler, based in England

Fowler’s mother Nido (pictured, second from left) was born in Papua New Guinea, adding to the intrigue

Adding to the allusion is that Fowler is proud of PNG heritage, with her mother Nido being born there.

A potential stumbling block in securing Cleary’s signature is that the team is likely to be based in Port Moresby, which has one of the highest crime rates in the world.

On the other hand, players who sign for the PNG team do not have to pay taxes but must live in a commune with their families.

Fowler will turn 25 in 2028 — and by then she could be ready to retire and start a family with Cleary, provided they’re still together.

Meanwhile, Albanese is confident the NRL team in PNG will be a success, both on and off the field.

“Australia and PNG are the closest neighbors and we are the closest friends,” the Prime Minister said. ‘United, of course, by a love for rugby league.

‘This is not just about the elite level. This is about the grassroots level, it’s about economic development, it’s about [building] relationships.

‘And, as sport often does, it offers people the opportunity to achieve success not only in sport, but also in life.

Mary Fowler turns 25 in 2028 – and by then she could be ready to retire and start a family with Cleary, provided they’re still together

If Cleary seeks a new sporting challenge in Port Moresby, he will not have to pay tax on his major playing contract

“That’s why this partnership we’re announcing is not just about Papua New Guinea, but also about our relationships in the Pacific.

“The partnership will support young people across the Pacific, girls and boys, women and men, to play rugby league, with a focus on PNG, as well as Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

“It will complement our existing health and education programs in the Pacific and also create new opportunities for women and girls to get involved.

“This Pacific Rugby League partnership shows that we are serious about working with our Pacific partners, dare I say it, our Pacific family members, on the ambitions that we have.”