Nathan Cleary plays a starring role in Penrith’s grand final battle with the Storm – but fans can’t stop talking about Mary Fowler!
- New footy fans tune in to see ‘Mary Fowler’s boyfriend’
- The Panthers playmaker is without his partner in the stadium
- Nathan Cleary is trying to win his fourth consecutive premiership
Nathan Cleary will be looking to make history in the NRL Grand Final on Sunday night when the Penrith Panthers take on the Melbourne Storm – but many fans can’t stop talking about Mary Fowler.
Cleary, 26, played a key role in tonight’s battle, with the Panthers leading 14-6 midway through the second half.
The Penrith playmaker does not have his partner Mary Fowler in the stadium supporting him due to her commitments at Manchester City, but thanks to her many fans are tuning in.
“I’m watching to see what Mary Fowler’s friend is up to,” one fan posted on X.
“I didn’t expect my 13-year-old daughter to become an NRL fan. Turns out Nathan Cleary is dating Mary Fowler and apparently that’s closer and more exciting than AFL,” another posted.
“Watching and crossing our fingers for Mary Fowler’s boyfriend,” a third posted.
“Roosters aren’t in the final and I barely care about nrl so no one but I want Mary Fowler to be happy so I guess Penrith,” another posted.
Ahead of Sunday’s grand final, Cleary wondered if Fowler would fly back to cheer him on at Sunday’s showpiece event, and the Panthers superstar couldn’t help but smile at the question.
Many footy fans are tuning into the NRL final to support ‘Mary Fowler’s boyfriend’
The Panthers halfback is looking to claim his fourth premiership with Penrith
Cleary told reporters: “She’s not coming. Her season has just started in England. I think she’ll be watching, but she won’t be there.’
City will next be in action at home against West Ham on Sunday. But their match doesn’t start until 11pm (AEDT), while the grand final starts at 7.30pm (AEDT).
It means there is a good chance the City women’s star will miss a large chunk of the match as she prepares for the WSL clash.
It was reported that Cleary was considering a shock move to Super League and would join his girlfriend in Britain, but this speculation has since been dismissed by Penrith bosses, who claim he has expressed no desire to leave.
Mail Sport exclusively revealed Cleary and Fowler started dating last November and recently enjoyed spending some time together after the City star returned to Australia following the Matildas’ elimination from the Paris Olympics.
In recent weeks, Brian To’o teased that the pair are now “engaged” during a cheeky post-match interview. To’o joked that fans were cheering for Cleary and girlfriend Fowler, who are now “engaged,” during the Panther’s recent win over the Titans.
“They’re just chilling while everyone else is going crazy. They’re pretty much here for Nathan and Mary, so congratulations, I think they’re engaged.
“Congratulations to them.”
Although not yet officially confirmed, Cleary has opened up about the impact the City star has had on his life. Cleary readily declared that their relationship “added a new perspective” and praised Fowler for being “super supportive.” ‘.
The pair have been dating since November last year and their blossoming relationship is in the spotlight
“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 just 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.
‘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.’