Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary look more loved up than ever as they give each other foot tips in a VERY revealing look at how close they are
Australia’s most popular sporting couple recently showcased their skills in a friendly football match using balls from both codes.
NRL star Nathan Cleary and Matildas forward Mary Fowler were involved in a cross-code one-on-one duel, with Cleary armed with both a league ball and a football to ensure a fair match.
The couple enjoyed a pre-Christmas get-together in Penrith, in the heart of Panthers, where they ventured to a local oval for an hour-long battle, exchanging friendly taunts and shoves.
There was no entourage, no camera crew and no PR team. No make-up, no special effects and no sponsorship obligations.
They were just two young Aussies in love enjoying a break from their respective clubs and an afternoon at the local park.
Nathan Cleary shows he’s no slouch with the round football during their fun afternoon in a Penrith park
The couple were all smiles, relaxed and enjoying each other’s company as they delved into both footy codes
Matildas forward Mary Fowler also tried her skills with the NRL ball and showed strong technique
The couple couldn’t keep their hands off each other as they enjoyed their afternoon together
The couple was recently named Nath-ilda, but the name didn’t go down well with fans, with many claiming it was unacceptable because it didn’t include Mary Fowler’s name.
A huge Panthers fan Nat Hanrahan wrote on X on Saturday: ‘This is absolutely the worst possible nickname for couples they could have come up with. As far as I’m concerned, simply unacceptable.’
Another said: ‘It doesn’t even have her name in it. She might be the bigger name. Unbelievable.’ Others suggested that their nickname should be ‘Clear-Fowl’ as it is a perfect reference to their sporting career (more so Fowler’s).
Cleary, who was the grand final hero for the Penrith Panthers, showed he is no slouch with a round ball either as the pair playfully demonstrated their skills in a loved-up display.
They laughed and giggled and looked completely happy and natural in each other’s company.
Cleary couldn’t keep his hands off Fowler either, often moving in for a cheeky hug while Fowler was completely relaxed and at ease in the company of her new man.
Footy fans can expect to see much more from Nath-ilda as their relationship continues to blossom
Cleary and Fowler felt comfortable in each other’s company and there was a lot of laughing and laughter
Fowler shows Cleary some of the ins and outs of football as they teach each other their respective codes
Fowler was animated and clearly having a great time while Cleary was beaming and happy in Fowler’s company
The pair were completely in their element in a pair of high shoes, on a patch of grass and in each other’s company
Relaxing after a good time together before Fowler has to leave again to spend time with family in Cairns for Christmas
Surprisingly, there were no spectators on the pitch, giving the duo some much-needed rest after a whirlwind few days in the spotlight.
Fowler, 20, is reportedly enjoying a short stay in Penrith before heading to Cairns with her family for Christmas.
The down-to-earth Matildas star set tongues wagging earlier this week when she shared a kiss and hug with Penrith captain Cleary upon arrival in Sydney.
Cleary will pick up Fpwler from Sydney Airport this week for their reunion in Penrith
The couple share a kiss and a warm embrace as they are reunited in Sydney
Cleary and Fowler first attracted attention as a potential couple after being spotted together twice following the Women’s World Cup.
Initial sightings included a leisurely stroll along the Nepean River in Penrith, where the 25-year-old NRL sensation and the Matildas forward spent quality time together.
They were also observed sharing ice cream after a promotional event organized by Adidas, a brand that both athletes endorse.
The couple publicly debuted their romance in Perth in October, confirming suspicions from previous sightings.
Cleary traveled around the country to watch Fowler play for the Matildas in the early days of their relationship
Fowler has emerged as a Matildas star after getting her chance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup while skipper Sam Kerr was injured
The couple looked in love from the very beginning and spent time together in a park in Perth
Nathan and Mary feel relaxed and comfortable with each other in a relationship that Australians can’t get enough of
Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed Cleary’s cross-country sprint to see Fowler and the Matildas play the Philippines, providing visual confirmation of the pair’s closeness.
Cleary, recovering from a knee injury, returned to pre-season training with the Penrith Panthers earlier this month.
In a recent public statement, he acknowledged the renewed focus on his private life, expressing a need to move forward without being too preoccupied with it.
‘I haven’t let that many people look into my personal life yet. But it just depends on what’s involved. It’s something I have no control over,” he said.
“I just have to move on and not read too much into it.”
Fowler is a true superstar of Australian sport, with crowds spilling out of the stadiums to watch the Matildas play
Fowler is now an ambassador for Rise and Shine Kindergarten and spent time with some of her littlest fans this week
Fowler, named as an ambassador for the Rise & Shine Kindergarten in Beverley Park, made a public appearance where she was all smiles as she interacted with children.
‘It’s been an incredible year. “It’s hard to put into words how big it has been,” she said.
‘I did not expect that [Australians to be so invested in women’s football].
‘I think most of us went to the World Cup not expecting that, but that was great.
“I think that was the best part of the World Cup, to see how many people got behind us and how together Australia came together.”
However, when pressure was brought to bear on her personal life, her media team quickly closed the investigation.
As the Nath-ilda romance continues to capture the public’s imagination, sources indicate that Cleary is interested in attending Fowler’s match for Manchester City against Sam Kerr’s Chelsea on February 19.
However, conflicting schedules could mean Fowler cannot make Cleary’s match against Wigan as the Matildas have a match in Uzbekistan on the same day.