- Nathan Cleary has been abroad for three weeks
- Spending time with friend, Matildas star Mary Fowler
- Now back in Sydney ahead of planned shoulder surgery
Nathan Cleary’s lovefest in Europe with Mary Fowler is over as the NRL superstar prepares for off-season shoulder surgery at home in Sydney.
It comes almost a month after the halfback guided Penrith to a fourth successive premiership – and many footy fans want to know whether Cleary will seek a release from his contract and stay abroad with his girlfriend.
Cleary, 26, made the most of his time abroad with Matildas youngster Fowler, attending the English Super League grand final and a Manchester City WSL match before heading to Switzerland and Spain.
His surgery was postponed after Cleary’s specialist went on leave, but he is booked for November 4.
NRL physio Brien Seeney said Cleary’s Latarjet surgery will help stabilize his left shoulder and potentially prevent future dislocations.
“This is the gold standard for that type of shoulder surgery,” Seeney said News Corp.
‘They take a piece of bone from the shoulder blade and attach it to the front of the ball and socket joint. They try to deepen the socket to make the joint more stable and less likely to pop out.
“The good news is that it can be a quick recovery, about three to four months, and the redisruption rate is low.”
Nathan Cleary’s European lovefest with girlfriend Mary Fowler is over as the NRL superstar prepares for shoulder surgery at home in Sydney
Cleary, 26, made the most of his time abroad at Mary Fowler, where he attended the English Super League grand final and a Manchester City WSL match before heading to Switzerland and Spain
The halfback also attended a Matildas match (pictured, with Katrina Gorry’s daughter Harper)
Cleary was at the English Super League grand final as rumors swirl he could leave Penrith to get closer to Mary Fowler
Cleary has been advised to resume light training in the run-up to Christmas – and could start contact work in February.
He next hopes to participate in the Panthers’ 2025 season opener against the Sharks in Las Vegas on March 1.
The sporting power couple made their relationship public in November last year after Ny Breaking Australia exclusively revealed photos of them together in Perth ahead of a Matildas Olympic qualifier.
Cleary recently opened up about their relationship and explained how Fowler has changed his life for the better.
“I loved it, it’s everything I could have ever dreamed of having a partner, to be honest,” he told Channel Nine’s Marlee and Me podcast.
“It’s added a new perspective, but it’s also added an extra layer: when things go well, you want to share it with them and talk about it… and when things don’t go well, they’re there too.
“She’s super supportive and I absolutely loved it. It’s just a great addition to life, to be honest, and it’s made me very happy. Love conquers.’