Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary is at the center of escalating speculation about a potential blockbuster move to England’s Super League, following girlfriend Mary Fowler’s candid revelation that she has no plans to return to Australia.
The Matildas striker, 22, dropped a bombshell during the Keegan and Company podcast, declaring,“I’m not playing football in Australia anytime soon, if ever,” while confirming her commitment to Manchester City and life in Europe.
Her stance forces Cleary, contracted to the Panthers until 2027, into a career crossroads: stay loyal to the NRL or chase love abroad.
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NRL rules permit early releases for compassionate reasons, a precedent set by Cleary’s ex-teammate James Fisher-Harris, who exited Penrith in 2024 for family reasons in New Zealand.
Cleary, 27, has previously hinted at openness to overseas opportunities, stating, “Experiencing different cultures excites me.” Now, with Fowler ruling out an Aussie homecoming, the four-time premiership winner’s resolve faces its toughest test.
The couple’s cross-continent romance began at a 2023 Adidas event and has thrived despite Fowler’s limited rugby knowledge (“She never watched footy,” Cleary admits) and her recovery from an ACL injury sustained in April. With the Panthers languishing at the NRL’s bottom and Fowler sidelined until 2026, whispers of Cleary joining Super League giants like Wigan or Leeds grow louder.
As State of Origin looms, all eyes are on whether Fowler—a Queensland native—will defy the rivalry to support Cleary at Suncorp Stadium. Meanwhile, the Panthers’ dismal season could tip the scales, pushing the Kangaroos ace to prioritize partnership over premierships.
