Nathan Cleary’s season may be hanging in the balance over his damaged left shoulder, but the Penrith Panthers superstar found a reason to smile after his girlfriend Mary Fowler rushed to his aid this week.
Cleary injured the joint against Melbourne on Thursday and faced initial fears he would need surgery and be out for the rest of the year.
However, scans ruled out immediate surgery and he could now return for the NRL finals in September as the Panthers bid for a record fourth consecutive NRL title.
Despite another frustrating injury setback after spending two months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury this season, Cleary was all smiles as he enjoyed time with girlfriend Fowler in the Blue Mountains on Saturday.
The sporty couple enjoyed breakfast at a local cafe and then explored the Glenbrook Rotary Markets, where Nathan tried out a scented candle as the pair looked relaxed and happy.
Mary Fowler pictured with Nathan Cleary strolling through Glenbrook at the local markets.
Cleary was seen smelling the scented candles and smiling as he enjoyed time with his girlfriend Fowler.
Fowler is back in Australia after Matilda’s disappointing campaign at the Paris Olympics
Fowler is back in Australia after the Matildas’ disappointing campaign at the Paris Olympics, where the Aussies failed to reach the knockout rounds despite a valiant performance against the United States in their final state pool match.
Manchester City will play in Australia for the first time in a pre-season tournament from 21 August to 2 September against Paris Saint Germain and other Barclays Women’s Super League teams, including West Ham United and Leicester City.
Manchester City will play in Australia for the first time in a pre-season tournament from 21 August to 2 September against Paris Saint Germain and other Barclays Women’s Super League teams, including West Ham United and Leicester City.
The WSL season kicks off again in the UK on September 22.
Penrith will be hoping to have Nathan Cleary back from his shoulder injury for the NRL finals, which will be a big boost to their quest for a fourth consecutive title.
All three reigning champions held their breath as Cleary underwent scans after falling awkwardly during the second half of the Panthers’ 24-22 loss to Melbourne on Thursday night.
Fowler sported a crop top that showed off her toned figure as she prepares for the upcoming season of the Women’s Super League in the UK.
Cleary is hoping to return for the NRL finals after suffering another injury setback.
The Panthers midfielder couldn’t stop smiling as he strolled through the markets with Fowler.
A frustrated Cleary walked off the field as the final 10 minutes approached at the BlueBet Stadium, with his father and coach Ivan Cleary admitting he was “concerned” about the injury.
The 26-year-old is likely to require off-season surgery on his left shoulder, but the Panthers now expect him to return after the final three weeks of the regular season.
Both Fowler and Cleary are well aware of the challenges of injury and the road to recovery.
Fowler has dealt with recurring back and foot problems throughout his young career, while Cleary has a more extensive history with injuries.
Fortunately, his most recent setback affects the shoulder opposite the one he injured in 2021.
Mary and Nathan began dating late last year and their relationship was first reported by Daily Mail Australia.
The loving couple may live on opposite sides of the world, but they find a way to make it work.
Their paths will soon part as Cleary prepares for the NRL finals and Fowler suits up for Manchester City in a pre-season tournament in Perth.
The initial report featured photographs of Mary resting her head on Nathan’s chest as they enjoyed a quiet moment together in a Perth park ahead of one of her Matildas matches.
The couple went public with their relationship in October in Perth and then confirmed their romance on Instagram in January.
In May, NSW’s star scrum-half Nathan was sidelined with a grade two hamstring injury, which ruled him out of the State of Origin series for eight weeks.
During his recovery, Nathan and Mary, 21, took the opportunity to spend some quality time together on a romantic getaway.
Both athletes keep their relationship very private. Nathan has admitted that the attention his private life has received has been unexpected.
“Obviously, it’s different than when I was young and in first grade and people were analyzing my game. I didn’t have that before,” he shared earlier this year.
Over the course of five years of premiership dominance, the Panthers have grown accustomed to losing Cleary for large portions of each regular season.
A lingering right shoulder injury kept him out of the 2021 season finale race and he faced a five-game suspension for a horrific throwing tackle on Dylan Brown in late 2022.
Hamstring injuries have also conspired against Cleary this year, but Penrith have still won seven of 11 games without him.