Nathan Cleary’s romance with Matildas star Mary Fowler continues to fuel speculation the superstar halfback could be a marquee signing for the NRL’s new team to be based in Papua New Guinea.
The franchise were formally granted a licence by the NRL on Thursday – but the move has been blasted by some footy fans for being a political stunt that wastes $600million of taxpayer money across a decade.
Daily Mail Australia understands PNG will enter the competition in 2028 – and follows Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his PNG counterpart James Marape meeting in person in Sydney to shake hands over the deal.
It was the culmination of two years of planning which also involved Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys.
The yet to be named team is seen as key diplomatic tool for Australia to strengthen ties in the hotly-contested Pacific and ward off China’s expansion into the area, and will cost the Australian taxpayer $600million over 10 years.
PNG’s government are also expected to tip in $150million, with rugby league the number one sport in the country.
Come 2028, assembling a competitive NRL roster will be crucial from the outset – and no doubt Panthers playmaker Cleary will be a primary target.
It may appear highly ambitious, but the champion number 7 is off-contract in 2027, meaning he will be a free agent the following season.
Nathan Cleary’s romance with Matildas star Mary Fowler continues to fuel speculation the superstar halfback could be a marquee signing for the NRL’s new team in Papua New Guinea
Daily Mail Australia understands PNG will enter the competition in 2028 – and Nathan Cleary’s contract with Penrith ends in 2027
The sporting power couple are committed to a long distance relationship with Fowler based in England – for now
Fowler’s mother Nido (pictured, second from left) was born in Papua New Guinea, adding to the intrigue
Adding to the innuendo is Fowler boasting PNG heritage, with her mother Nido born there.
A potential stumbling block in securing Cleary’s signature is the team likely to be based in Port Moresby – which has one of the highest crime rates in the world.
On the flipside, players who sign for the PNG team won’t have to pay tax – but they will be required to live on a commune with their families.
Fowler will be 25 come 2028 – and by that time she could be ready to retire from football and start a family with Cleary, provided they are still together.
Meanwhile, Albanese is confident the NRL team based in PNG will be a success on and off the field.
‘Australia and PNG are the nearest of neighbours and we are the truest of friends,’ the PM said. ‘United, of course, by a love of rugby league.
‘What this is about isn’t just the elite level. This is about the grassroots level, it’s about economic development, it’s about [building] relationships.
‘And it provides, as sport often does, an opportunity for people to succeed not just in sport, but in life.
Mary Fowler will be 25 come 2028 – and by that time she could be ready to retire from football and start a family with Cleary, provided they are still together
If Cleary seeks a new sporting challenge in Port Moresby, he won’t have to pay tax on his marquee playing contract
‘That is why this partnership we’re announcing isn’t just about Papua New Guinea, it’s also about our relationship in the Pacific.
‘The partnership will support young people in the Pacific, girls and boys, women and men, to play rugby league, with a focus on PNG, but also on Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
‘It will complement our existing health and education programs in the Pacific and create new opportunities for women and girls to get involved, as well.
‘This Pacific rugby league partnership shows we’re serious about working with our Pacific partners, dare I say it, our pacific family members, on the aspirations that we have.’
