Nathan Cleary’s admission about Mary Fowler in call on future after father Ivan steps down
The Penrith No.7 has opened up for the first time since his father revealed he’s stepping down.
Nathan Cleary says his father Ivan’s decision to step down as Penrith coach won’t dictate his own NRL future and that he’ll speak with long-term girlfriend Mary Fowler before making a decision. The champion No.7 is among a host of big-name Panthers stars who are off contract at the end of 2027 and expected to hit the open market on November 1.
And his father Ivan’s decision to move on as Penrith coach after next season has raised concerns that Nathan and many of his Panthers teammates could leave the club. Fellow co-captain Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o, Liam Martin and Mitch Kenny are among the star-studded contingent who could test the market later this year, despite many of them indicating it would be their preference to stay at Penrith.
However, Cleary admitted that Matildas star Fowler would factor into whatever decision he makes. “Obviously, I’ll have conversations with her given she’s my partner,” Cleary added. “But it’s not something we’ve done yet.” Fowler is based in England where she plays for football giants Manchester City, and Cleary has long been linked with a move overseas to be closer to the Matildas fan favourite.
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Matty Johns reckons if Cleary can tick off the final frontier in his extraordinary career in Australia by dominating this year’s Origin series, then a move to the English Super League could be on the cards. “I can only see him being a one-club man (in the NRL),” Johns said on the ‘Immortal Behaviour’ podcast on Friday. “I think there would be more interest to go to England.
“Whether there’s an option in rugby union in Europe, or playing in the Super League over there. I know my mate Simon Moran, who owns Warrington, would move heaven and earth and hell to get Nathan there. He’s done everything here, we know that. And this year if he owns Origin, then that is ticked off. We will soon see.”
Nathan Cleary backs Peter Wallace as next Panthers coach
The Penrith No.7 supports his father’s decision to step down, and understands the desire for the four-time premiership-winning Panthers coach to explore other opportunities. But the 28-year-old said it won’t dictate his own playing future and suggested Wallace’s appointment as successor could keep a host of players at the club.
Coach Cleary’s exit won’t sway Nathan’s future plans
Nathan Cleary insists father Ivan’s impending exit from Penrith will have no bearing on whether he stays with the NRL powerhouse beyond 2027.
The younger Cleary indicated he would not make a decision on his playing future for at least another six to eight weeks, with State of Origin looming for the incumbent NSW No.7.
Widely considered the NRL’s best player, Cleary would command a huge salary if he tested the open market for the first time in his four-time premiership winning career.
Most notably, a tax-free windfall and reunion with ex-Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai are both on offer with expansion side PNG Chiefs from 2028.
But in the days since coach Cleary announced he would quit Penrith after 2027, the halfback has focused less on his own future and more on supporting his father.
“It’s something dad’s been holding onto for a little while now. I’m happy and I’m proud of him,” Cleary said.
Since Cleary’s shock call, speculation has turned to the swathe of Panthers who are uncontracted beyond 2027 and in position to follow their coach out the door.
At Brisbane Airport on Saturday night, the younger Cleary joked with his father that he was to blame for the media scrum that assembled for Penrith’s arrival at baggage claim.
“This is because of you,” he laughed as his coach sauntered out of frame.
Isaah Yeo, Blaize Talagi, Mitch Kenny, Brian To’o and Liam Martin are among the other stars able to negotiate with NRL rivals for the 2028 season from November.
Cleary previously indicated he was in no rush to make a decision on his future and said his father’s exit plan would not make him less likely to re-sign with Penrith.
“It doesn’t change my position,” he said.
“I’m still not ready to make that decision yet and that won’t change over the next six-to-eight-week period. It’s pretty hectic as it is.
“It’s obviously been big news, but it hasn’t changed my position. I can guarantee nothing will happen over the next little period.”
Cleary felt the decision to name Peter Wallace as his father’s successor could help the Panthers convince their off-contract stars to stay put.
A former NSW Origin representative, Wallace began and ended his career with Penrith and has been on the coaching staff since 2023.
“Everyone’s so happy for him to be the one stepping into the role,” Nathan Cleary said.