Nathan Cleary's manager in telling response to Super League rumours amid Mary Fowler detail
Cleary has previously stated that he is open to moving to the Super League.
Nathan Cleary's manager has dismissed claims the Panthers halfback is weighing up a move to the UK Super League to be closer to his partner, football star Mary Fowler. In a switch that would send shockwaves through the NRL, NewsCorp reported over the weekend that the Panthers star is weighing up making the switch to England so he can spend more time with the Matildas and Manchester City forward.
The pair have been together since late last year and their relationship could now see Cleary move abroad to be by her side, in what would be a massive coup for the Super League. Veteran journalist Buzz Rothfield suggested that if the move did happen it wouldn't be for the remainder of his career but just for next year.
However, Cleary's manager George Mimis and Panthers boss Brian Fletcher have shut down claims the star halfback could be on the move, stating it isn't something that has been discussed or that is currently on the table. Cleary is signed to the Panthers until the end of the 2027 season and NewsCorp reported in July the Panthers had opened talks about extending Cleary's contract even further as part of a $13.5 million super deal that would keep Nathan and father Ivan at the club.
But while at face value a move to the Super League may seem far-fetched, in an interview with the Mirror earlier this year, it was something the Panthers halfback said he would definitely consider. "I'm not against it (a move to the Super League). I have a pretty open mind to that kind of stuff," Cleary said ahead of the 2024 NRL campaign.
"I think just being able to experience different cultures and different experiences is something I enjoy doing. I'm not closed off to that idea."
Fowler is based in the UK with club side Manchester City, meaning as it stands the couple's time together is limited. The 21-year-old came home to spend time with Cleary in the football off-season. Cleary also made the most of some unfortunate injuries this year to be with Fowler.
Nathan Cleary feels 'embarrassed' by string of injuries in 2024
After helping Penrith book a spot in its fifth-straight preliminary final, the Panthers halfback admitted he has felt "embarrassed" at times this year for spending extended periods of time on the sideline as he has battled three separate injury blows. Cleary has been restricted to just 11 games this season due to two hamstring injuries and a shoulder issue, with the three-time premiership winner also missing out on the State of Origin series win as he battled his second hamstring tear.
The Panthers still managed to finish second without him but did have looked disjointed in attack without him on the park. He showed in the 30-10 win over the Roosters in week one of finals just how important he is to the side, and Cleary says he is determined to help lift his side to an unprecedented fourth straight premiership.
“It’s been a frustrating year,” Cleary said after the Panthers' win over the Roosters. "The times that I’ve been injured, I just feel bad that I’m not out there and can’t go to battle alongside my brothers.
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"It’s almost embarrassing sometimes getting those injuries and having to take time out again. It’s been an up-and-down year, but I set my sights on this game and had to get over it.
"There was no point moping around because I had to be a positive influence on the team even though I wasn’t playing, and then in the background, I was putting my best foot forward to try to get back on the field.”
