Mary Fowler’s heartfelt dream of starting a big family in a peaceful rural setting has suffered a major setback, with partner Nathan Cleary reportedly having no plans to leave the NRL or move overseas.
Despite ongoing speculation that the Penrith Panthers star might consider relocating to Europe — where Fowler plays football for Manchester City — sources close to Cleary have strongly dismissed such suggestions.
NEXT: Nathan Cleary’s Future in Flux: Marriage Hints and Perth Move Stir Up Penrith Exit Talk
For months, rumours have swirled about Cleary making a switch to either rugby union or the English Super League to be closer to the Matildas midfielder.
Wallabies greats Tim Horan and Morgan Turinui even hinted at mutual interest between Cleary and rugby union. However, veteran sports journalist Andrew Webster has categorically shut down the claims, citing direct conversations with Cleary’s coach and father Ivan, and his manager George Mimis.
Webster, speaking on the Off the Record podcast with Phil Rothfield, stated:
“Ivan said he’s been fielding messages for six months about Nathan leaving, and it’s all absolute bulls**t. Nathan told him there’s nothing in it. Mimis also confirmed he’s had zero contact with any rugby union club globally.”
While rugby pundits like Turinui suggested there was “interest on both sides,” Rothfield and Webster argued the reports ignored Cleary’s fierce competitive drive and loyalty to the NRL.
“People saying he’d leave clearly don’t understand Nathan. He’s not about to walk away and cash a cheque in French rugby. That’s a part-time comp compared to the NRL,” Webster said.
These developments cast doubt over Fowler’s personal hopes. In a recent appearance on the Keegan and Company podcast, Fowler expressed her desire for a family-focused future with children, animals, and outdoor living.
“The only dream I have at the moment is to be a mum and have heaps of kids,” she said, outlining a vision of adopting siblings and raising them on a small farm.
Fowler and Cleary, both from large families, have been managing a long-distance relationship between Australia and the UK. While her hopes remain tied to a shared life with Cleary in a countryside setting, his firm stance on staying in the NRL suggests that dream may remain out of reach — at least for now.
Still, with both stars focused on their elite sporting careers, their relationship endures across continents, even as life plans take a temporary backseat to professional ambition.
