Selection shock as Mary Fowler named on BANK for Matildas to face Canada – while NRL superstar pal Nathan Cleary rests at home in Sydney

Matildas fans were collectively stunned on Saturday after youngster Mary Fowler was left on the bench ahead of the international friendly against Canada in Langford.

Coach Tony Gustavsson named the Manchester City ace as a substitute, alongside high-profile teammates such as Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Ellie Carpenter and Katrina Gorry, while captain Sam Kerr is injured.

It comes as Fowler’s boyfriend – NRL superstar Nathan Cleary – was back home in Sydney as he prepares to return to pre-season training with Penrith.

The halfback was recently on holiday in the US and some football fans were hoping the three-time premiership winner would cheer on Fowler in the stands, just as he did at the recent Olympic qualifiers in Perth.

Earlier this week, Fowler posted a cryptic poem on Instagram about life’s “terrible moments” as the sporty couple navigates a long-distance relationship.

NRL superstar Nathan Cleary returned from the US this week – many fans thought he would be in Canada to cheer on his girlfriend and Matildas ace Mary Fowler

After months of innuendo, Cleary and Fowler made their romance public in October

After months of innuendo, Cleary and Fowler went public with their romance after Daily Mail Australia exclusively captured photos of the couple sharing some tender moments in a Perth park on October 31, ahead of a Matildas Olympic qualifier against Chinese Taipei.

Social media quickly erupted with memes about their dating before the couple said their goodbyes before Fowler flew back to England to play with Manchester City in the Women’s Super League.

Both athletes are said to be very private when it comes to their relationships, with sparks between the pair reportedly starting in August after they shared an ice cream together following a promotional event in Sydney.

The pair are both brand ambassadors for Adidas and enjoyed each other’s company after filming with the global sports giant wrapped.

Following reports of the ice date, the first photos of Cleary and Fowler together emerged, showing the duo enjoying a walk along the Nepean River together during Australia’s World Cup campaign.

Fowler and Cleary could reunite in person when she flies to Australia on December 21 for a fan event with Matildas teammates Alanna Kennedy and Mackenzie Arnold.

The event will take place at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, just half an hour’s drive from Cleary’s home in the NSW Blue Mountains.

Sparks between the high-profile sports couple reportedly started in August after a promotional event in Sydney

While on holiday in the US, the three-time premiership-winning halfback enjoyed a night helicopter flight over Manhattan (pictured)

Cleary had some drinks on the roof with friends during the trip to New York, where he also caught UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden

Cleary also let loose in Bali, during a family holiday (his sister Indi, is pictured on the left)

The halfback hurt his knee during the NRL Grand Final, delaying his return to pre-season with the Panthers (pictured, with Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell)

When it comes to the Matildas, changes to the usual starting XI were expected as captain Sam Kerr (foot), goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold (arm), striker Holly McNamara (knee) and defender Charlotte Grant (hamstring) are all injured.

Sarah Hunter, Jada Whyman, Alex Chidiac and Remy Siemsen were called up to Tony Gustavsson’s squad to replace the quartet.

“These last two games of the year will be invaluable,” said the Matildas coach.

“There have been a lot of players who have performed really well lately, so I’m looking forward to seeing how they respond against a good opponent.”

Canada will also say goodbye to one of the greatest soccer players of all time in Christine Sinclair, who is ready to play the final games of her impressive career.

Sinclair is a fourteen-time Canada Footballer of the Year and has captained her country since 2006. She played six World Cups, ten CONCACAF tournaments and four Olympic Games and won gold at the 2021 Tokyo Games.