Mary Fowler has opened up about the realities of her long-distance relationship with Nathan Cleary, revealing the pair may only see each other twice a year and now avoid dwelling on how much they miss one another.
The Matildas star and Penrith Panthers playmaker are one of Australian sport’s highest-profile couples, but their elite careers often place them in different parts of the world for extended stretches.
Fowler, who plays in England for Manchester City, said the uncertainty of their schedules means they are careful about locking in reunion plans, with cancelled trips only adding to the strain of being apart.
‘Even with Nathan, it’s gotten to a point where we don’t really want to say that we miss each other because it makes it harder,’ she told AFR.
‘Because then you think about it. It’s stuff like that, where you both kind of have to adjust to being apart.’
The revelation comes amid uncertainty surrounding Cleary’s future, with the NRL superstar delaying a decision on whether to extend his time at Penrith until after the 2026 finals series.
Matildas star Mary Fowler has revealed the difficult reality of maintaining her long-distance relationship with Nathan Cleary overseas
Fowler says she and Cleary sometimes avoid saying they miss each other because it makes their separation harder emotionally
Fowler said the distance between Manchester and Penrith had forced them to build their relationship through conversation.
‘Something that we both really appreciate about the long distance is that our form of connection has had to be through talking for much of it,’ she said.
‘I think that’s really enabled the relationship to grow on a nice foundation of just being friends first.
‘We always have stuff to talk about, even if it’s just random things. I do think that helps in the long run, just being really good friends.’
The pair also have an informal book club that allows them to share an activity despite being on opposite sides of the world.
‘Being able to find things where we can connect from afar really helps,’ Fowler said.
‘Just to feel like, “Oh, he’s there with me in a way.”
‘When I read my book, I’m like, “This feels nice because I know he’s going to be reading his book too.”‘
Fowler and Cleary started an informal book club to help them feel connected while living on opposite sides worldwide
Fowler has returned to action with Manchester City after recovering from the serious ACL injury she suffered last year
Fowler’s latest comments come as uncertainty surrounds where Cleary will play beyond the end of his current Panthers contract.
The 28-year-old is signed with Penrith through the 2027 season but has delayed making a decision about an extension until after the 2026 finals series.
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If he does not agree to a new deal before November 1, he will be free to negotiate with rival clubs for the 2028 season.
The incoming PNG Chiefs have been linked with a lucrative offer reportedly worth $1.5million a year, while Cleary was also the subject of speculative interest from English Super League club Hull KR earlier in 2026.
Cleary has stressed that he does not intend to rush such a significant decision.
‘It’s a big decision, and I feel like one thing has rolled into another,’ he said.
‘The Origin period was so hectic, and when we came out of it, we weren’t playing our best footy. My mind has just been elsewhere.
‘I have another whole year of Penrith anyway, and it’s always felt like it’s so far away, but I guess it is creeping up a bit now. I’m pretty patient with it.’
Fowler is now building towards the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games
The return of his younger brother Jett to Penrith has also given Cleary another reason to consider remaining at the club.
He admitted the possibility of playing alongside Jett was ‘something to weigh up’.
Fowler, meanwhile, has returned to Manchester as City prepare for the new Women’s Super League season.
The 23-year-old resumed playing in February after recovering from the ACL injury that kept her sidelined for almost a year.
Her minutes have been carefully managed since her comeback, but she said she was again feeling comfortable on the field.
‘I’m feeling like myself,’ Fowler said.
‘We have a really good squad, and the other girls who play in my position, I love them.
‘There’s obviously a healthy competition there, but there’s not really any envy. I never have a problem with people playing ahead of me; I know that they’re doing really well.’
Fowler was preparing for a friendly against Barcelona while also planning to spend an afternoon searching for a second-hand camera.
Her immediate focus is earning more minutes for Manchester City, with the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics looming.
She described her disappointing Paris Olympics campaign as an important lesson after pressure and heightened expectations affected her performances.
‘I ended up having a very below-average tournament because I was so in my head about things,’ she said.
‘I just need to play free.’