In a twist blending romance and rivalry, Matildas sensation Mary Fowler has shockingly ditched her Queensland roots to back boyfriend Nathan Cleary’s NSW Blues in this year’s State of Origin series.
However, the star striker’s bold allegiance switch comes with a bittersweet caveat: Fowler will miss Game 1 in Brisbane as she races against the clock to recover from an ACL injury in England.
Fowler’s Blues Plea: “Send Me a Jersey!
Cleary, the Blues’ returning halfback, revealed Fowler’s defection during a candid interview Monday, sharing that the Cairns-born athlete had one urgent request after his Origin selection: a personalized NSW jersey.
“She’s already put in the request, so I’m gonna have to,” Cleary laughed to News Corp. “She reckons she’s going for the Blues now—mission accomplished.”
The couple’s cross-code romance has captivated fans, with Fowler—a Manchester City forward—already sporting sky blue in her club career. Yet, her absence at Sydney’s Accor Stadium for the May 28 opener casts a shadow.
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Currently rehabbing under strict supervision in the UK, Fowler had initially planned to return earlier but faced delays in her recovery timeline.
“It’s pretty unfortunate,” Cleary admitted. “Her rehab’s the priority, but hopefully she’ll be back later in the series.”
Moses and Cleary: NSW’s New Halves Powerhouse
As Fowler focuses on her comeback, Cleary prepares to reignite his Origin partnership with Mitchell Moses, marking the Parramatta star’s debut in a Game 1 lineup. The duo replaces 2024 heroes Jarome Luai and Nicho Hynes, who steered NSW to a comeback series win but fell victim to form slumps and strategic reshuffles.
Moses, fresh off a career-defining 2024 series, embraced the challenge.
“Playing with Nathan? It’s massive,” he said. “He’s the ultimate competitor—every play, every moment. I’m here to learn and win.”
Cleary’s return after missing last year’s series due to a hamstring tear adds firepower to a Blues squad eager to exploit Queensland’s aging roster. Meanwhile, Fowler’s rehab progress remains a subplot, with Matildas fans hopeful she’ll return in time for July’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Social Media Erupts: “Queenslander No More?”
Fowler’s switch ignited playful chaos online, with Queenslanders branding her a “traitor” and NSW fans dubbing the couple “Aussie sport’s ultimate power pair.” Memes flooded platforms, including a mock edit of Fowler in a Blues jersey captioned, “Love made me do it.”
The Road Ahead
As Origin fever builds, all eyes are on Cleary to deliver under pressure—and whether Fowler’s bold allegiance gamble will pay off in Blues glory. For now, the striker’s focus remains on healing, while Cleary gears up to silence Maroons fans… with a jersey already en route to Manchester.
