Nathan Cleary will miss a rare opportunity to watch girlfriend Mary Fowler play in Sydney on Tuesday night as State of Origin preparations take precedence for the NSW superstar.
The Penrith halfback had hoped to support Fowler when the Matildas take on Mexico at CommBank Stadium, but instead will be heading into Blues camp as New South Wales ramps up preparations for Origin II.
The timing appeared to offer the sporting power couple a brief chance to spend time together in Australia, with Fowler back home from England for the international series.
Instead, Cleary will be watching from afar.
‘No, I won’t be able to get there and watch her,’ Cleary said.
‘We are going to The Central Coast [for camp]. Unfortunately not, but we will watch it on TV.’
Nathan Cleary won’t be in the stands when Mary Fowler plays Mexico in Sydney
The Blues star is heading into Origin camp instead of watching Fowler live at CommBank Stadium
Long-distance life remains a reality for Australia’s highest-profile sporting couple.
The Matildas star will run out at the temporary home of Cleary’s Penrith Panthers, but one of her biggest supporters won’t be in the stands.
The couple have spent much of the past three years navigating a long-distance relationship, with Fowler based in England while playing for Manchester City and Cleary remaining in Sydney throughout the NRL season.
They were first linked during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after fans noticed interactions between the pair on social media.
Cleary later confirmed they had been speaking before the pair were photographed together publicly for the first time.
Just weeks later, Fowler attended the NRL grand final as Cleary helped Penrith secure a third consecutive premiership.
Since then, they have become one of Australia’s highest-profile sporting couples, balancing elite careers on opposite sides of the world.
Their relationship has continued to attract attention, with reports suggesting Fowler’s future plans could eventually play a significant role in Cleary’s next career decision.
Veteran journalist Danny Weidler recently reported that Fowler’s ambitions and the couple’s long-term plans would be major considerations when Cleary eventually weighs up his future beyond Penrith.
For now, football remains the immediate focus.
While Fowler attempts to help the Matildas rebound from their shock defeat to Mexico, Cleary is concentrating on helping New South Wales clinch the Origin series in Melbourne next week.
The Blues escaped with victory in Game One despite trailing heavily, and Cleary admitted slow starts had become a major concern.
‘It’s pretty obvious the starts are killing us,’ he said.
‘The last three games we have been down by 20 points at some stage. We are making it really hard on ourselves so trying to start better is a real focus for us.’
Cleary believes the issue is more mental than tactical.
‘It’s probably a mental thing. There is just so much emotion that goes into the game and sometimes you’re not yourself at the start,’ he said.
‘When you make uncharacteristic errors, it comes down to the mental side and concentration.
‘But, in saying that, I thought our belief and courage to stay in the game (in Sydney) – and then come away with it late – was really pleasing.’
