Mary Fowler confirmed for Aussie event after fears Nathan Cleary reunion was ruined
Fans were left downbeat over the latest development for the Matildas and Penrith Panthers stars - but all is not lost.
A reunion between Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary appears to be on after all despite the Matildas star pulling out of a fan event in Sydney next week. Fowler and Cleary are the 'it couple' of Australian sport right now, with fans clamouring for updates on the football and NRL stars.
But the latest development left fans rather downbeat when it appeared on Wednesday as though a reunion between the pair in Sydney had been scuppered. Fowler was meant to attend a fan experience at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta next week, but Matildas officials announced on Wednesday that she won't be attending anymore.
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She will instead be replaced by Cailtin Foord, with goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and veteran defender Alanna Kennedy also in attendance. Fowler's attendance would have allowed her to reunite with Cleary for the first time since she jetted off to the UK in early November to join club team Manchester City.
But all is not lost, with Fowler confirmed to attend an event in Sydney just 24 hours before the fan experience. The 20-year-old will be at Rise & Shine Kindergarten in Carlton on Wednesday morning after being announced as its new ambassador.
Fowler and Cleary haven't seen each other for over a month, despite both being in North America around the same time earlier in December. Cleary was in the US for a holiday, while Fowler was playing for the Matildas in two international friendlies in Canada.
But according to reports they never met up, with Cleary having to come home to begin pre-season training with the Penrith Panthers last week. The next chance for the couple to reunite might not be until February, when Cleary will travel to the UK for the World Club Challenge against Wigan.
Cleary was asked "where's Mary" at the GQ Awards last week, responding: "I knew this was coming. I'm just here by myself... no plus one."
Matildas fane given unique chance to play alongside heroes
On Wednesday a press release from the Matildas read: "We are sorry to inform you that Mary Fowler is no longer able to attend the event at CommBank stadium next Thursday 21 December. We are excited to announce that superstar forward Caitlin Foord will be joining Mackenzie Arnold and Alanna Kennedy on the field for a show-stopping event, including a live masterclass and an insight into their personal and professional lives. [Kids] will play a game live on-field and learn expert techniques from the players themselves, with an additional meet and greet post-show, a player jersey and an autographed soccer ball."
Foord said she was looking forward to meeting the next generation of potential Matildas players. "I'm looking forward to joining Alanna and Mackenzie on-field to show our supporters just how much they mean to us," she said. "It's been such a big year, and what better way to top it off than with our Aussie fans, especially all of the kids who aspire to be Australia's next generation of football players. I can't wait to share my journey with not only my teammates but also my best mates, who have been on this journey with me."
Arnold said: "We are humbled to share our game with so many young fans and we hope to have inspired them to get even more involved in sport. We are really passionate about encouraging girls to give soccer a go and hopefully, one day, cheer them on from the sidelines.”
Kennedy added: “I'm pumped not only to be back on the field doing what I love, but to also be connecting with fans, in a totally new way. I'm looking forward to sharing my journey and really connecting with them on our home ground. Everyone is welcome, and we look forward to putting on a great show.”
Kids can apply for the event by submitting what the experience would mean to them at openairlive.com.au. The event will take place on Thursday, December 21 from 7pm to 8:40pm.
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