- Aussie sport superstars met up just before Penrith’s Las Vegas game
- NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has spoken out about the power couple
NRL boss Andrew Abdo has delivered a stunning suggestion that Mary Fowler‘s heritage could inspire superstar Nathan Cleary to become the marquee signing of the new PNG franchise.
The Australian Rugby League Commission recently confirmed that PNG would enter the NRL in 2028, a momentous occasion backed by an impressive $600million dollar investment from the Australian Government.
Cleary’s current contract with the Penrith Panthers expires in 2027, aligning perfectly with the new team’s timeline.
Abdo believes Fowler, whose mother Nido hails from Kira Kira in Port Moresby, may be a decisive factor in drawing Cleary to lead the fledgling franchise.
Fowler once proudly declared she was ‘so proud to be Papuan,’ showing her deep connection to her heritage.
In a candid Hello Sport podcast interview, Abdo revealed: ‘It could be something that plays out in the future as something really exciting.’
Matildas and Manhchester City star Mary Fowler is in a relationship with NRL stat Nathan Cleary
‘It’s like I was talking about earlier, it captivates people.
‘There will be a lot of people that are Mary Fowler fans that now are interested in rugby league.
‘There’s a lot of people who know nothing about sport who are interested in the romance between the two.
‘And obviously if Nathan was playing for PNG down the track that would be pretty interesting as well.’
Away from the signing speculation, Cleary and Fowler have quickly become Australia’s favourite sporting power couple, having started dating in 2023.
Their relationship has been closely followed by fans, especially when Cleary, 27, visited Fowler, 22, in Manchester after guiding Penrith to their fourth consecutive premiership title last year.
During that trip, the pair also enjoyed a romantic getaway to Mallorca and were later seen exploring Switzerland, where Fowler played with the Matildas.
Papua New Guinea will enter the NRL as the newest team for the 2027 season
Abdo believes that Fowler’s heritage and profile could bring Cleary to the new franchise
Over the festive period, they reconnected in North Queensland, journeying through the bush and enjoying a tranquil escape to the Whitsundays.
‘It’s always a nice thing to look forward to after a game, and getting to see her on FaceTime,’ Cleary told SMH at the time.
‘We don’t really talk about the game [rugby league] much.
‘She’s still learning about the game – she never watched footy.
‘The only player she knew was [North Queensland legend] Johnathan Thurston.
‘She makes me happy, and that definitely helps – she’s super supportive, and that’s what I love about her.’
Andrew Hill, NRL Bid CEO, and Wapu Sonk, NRL Bid Chairman, played pivotal roles in laying the foundations for PNG’s successful entry.
‘Rugby League in PNG is extremely thankful to both the Papua New Guinea and Australian Governments,’ Hill said.
‘We are also indebted to Peter V’Landys, Andrew Abdo and the ARLC for their vision and commitment to PNG and the Pacific.’
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