Nathan Cleary, the Penrith halfback, has opened up about his relationship with Matildas star Mary Fowler, revealing how she’s helped him grow as a person and improve on the footy field.
The couple, who have been dating since 2023, have been making headlines with their adorable romance, and it seems like their love is only getting stronger.
Making Long-Distance Work
Despite living on separate continents, with Fowler playing for Manchester City in the UK and Cleary based in Australia, the couple is making their long-distance relationship work.
Cleary reveals that they FaceTime each other after every game, but they don’t talk too much about rugby league.
“She’s still learning about the game – she never watched footy,” he says with a laugh. “The only player she knew was Johnathan Thurston.”
A Supportive Partner
Cleary credits Fowler with being super supportive, which has helped him both on and off the field. “She makes me happy, and that definitely helps,” he says.
The couple has been active on social media, sharing snaps from their trips abroad and outings together, giving fans a glimpse into their blossoming romance.
Performing Well on the Field
Both Cleary and Fowler have been performing brilliantly on the pitch, with Fowler scoring five goals in her last four matches for Man City and Cleary making good progress in his recovery from a shoulder injury.
It seems like their relationship is having a positive impact on their games, with Cleary admitting that when things are going well off the field, he usually plays pretty well on it.
Looking to the Future
Cleary takes each day as it comes, while Fowler is more focused on planning for the future.
“I’m very grateful for the area I’m in, the relationships I have around me, not just with Mary, but with my family, friends and teammates,” he says.
“I want to keep moving forward while I can, and while I’m capable of doing it.” With their relationship going strong, it’s exciting to see what the future holds for this sporting power couple.
The Secret to Their Success
According to psychologist Paul Penna, athletes need balanced and healthy relationships off the field to perform well.
“When an athlete is in a healthy relationship, it helps them maintain perspective about what is important in life,” he says.
With Cleary and Fowler’s relationship going from strength to strength, it’s no wonder they’re both performing so well on the field.