He joked about son Nathan as Mary Fowler’s ‘male version of a WAG’ – but now Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has made a heartwarming statement revealing the effect romance has had on the NRL superstar.
Nathan and the Matildas star went public with their romance about a year ago and are going from strength to strength in their relationship, with Mary recently posting a touching ‘I love you’ message to her husband after the pair spent some time together in England and Europe after the NRL grand final.
The Panthers halfback postponed much-needed shoulder surgery to be with his partner before flying back to undergo the operation two weeks ago – and Ivan was quizzed earlier this week about whether his son could have had the procedure done sooner.
The postponement leaves Nathan facing an uphill battle to be fit for his team’s first match of the 2025 season on March 2, and former NRL star and commentator Aaron Woods asked the coach why the playmaker wasn’t rushed back to Australia .
“I had to have a little heart-to-heart with him,” Ivan said Triple Mbefore revealing the effect Mary has had on his son.
‘The surgeon couldn’t do it [the operation] But right away and to be honest, I have never seen him so happy, and that is also important.’
Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler are pictured on his recent trip to England to spend time with her after the NRL grand final
The Penrith star’s father Ivan (pictured together after winning the 2024 premiership) has revealed he has never seen his son happier after returning from his time with the Matildas star
Cleary and Fowler have been busy sharing memories of his European holiday on social media, as they once again find themselves 17,000km apart playing for Manchester City.
Recently, Nathan shared a post titled ‘Downtime Pt.2’ with photos of himself exploring Europe with the Matildas gun and frolicking with her.
He joined Fowler when the Matildas traveled to Switzerland and Germany for two matches, and they were also seen in the stands of the English Super League grand final, where Nathan was interviewed on TV and questioned about rumors that he was going to the league could switch to get closer to the competition. his partner – or even skip to rugby union so he can be in Britain with her.
There are other signs that the couple’s relationship is anything but a long-distance relationship.
Last month, Nathan gave a telling three-word response when asked if he wanted to settle down and have a baby with Fowler.
Business guru Mark Bouris asked the star if he was thinking about setting himself up for life after football on his podcast after Cleary made a high-profile investment in a Sydney brewery with his UFC fighters Tai Tuivasa and Tyson Pedro.
“I’ve been thinking about it more, especially this year with injuries. I’ve had a lot of time to myself to think,” Cleary replied.
“You just think it’s going to take forever, and then you have a few injuries and you’re out of the game.
Cleary and his partner have been busy sharing memories of their time together in Britain and Europe, with Fowler sending him a heartfelt three-word message earlier this week
The Penrith coach (pictured after this year’s grand final win) previously joked that Nathan Fowler’s is ‘male version of a WAG’
‘You do realize that this won’t last forever.
“I think this is the first year I’ve really thought about post-footy and what that looks like to me.
‘It was an interesting journey. It’s one I’m excited about.
“I know it’s a long way off, well I hope it’s still a long way off, but what I’m excited about is a new passion, something you can put your time and effort into. We’ll see when we get there.’
Bouris then started talking about the need to think ahead once Cleary tied the knot, adding that his romance could change his long-term plans.
“Now that you have a girl you’re also interested in, you’re probably starting to have thoughts like, for one day, I have to keep the Cleary name alive,” Bouris said.
“Absolutely,” Cleary replied emphatically.
“Maybe only have one kid, just enjoy it,” Bouris said as they both laughed.
“It could be a football player,” Cleary laughed.
“That could be possible, why not?” replied Bouris.
“I’m telling you what would be good, if there’s a girl or a boy, it would be a good kicker. They could kick a ball.”
Ivan Cleary replied, “You’d like to think so.”