Everyone’s favourite footy couple (albeit in separate sports), Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary, are giving some joy to Australia with their loved-up speeches.
In September 2026, Nathan Cleary won his first Dally M Medal and praised his partner in his speech (which he gave from his couch after leg surgery). After thanking his teammates, coaches, and family, he made a special shout-out to Mary.
“I also want to say a big thanks to my partner. It’s tough doing the long distance, but she always makes me feel supported and loved, and that’s all I’ve ever asked for, and she’s just amazing.”
Earlier this year, an interview with Today, Mary shared some of her highlights, including taking a trip to Melbourne to cheer on her partner, Nathan Cleary, play in the State of Origin.
“It’s amazing to get moments like that to go and watch him. I don’t get to see him very often. I feel so blessed when I do get to go and support him,” she said on the show alongside footage of Mary consoling Nathan following his team’s defeat at the game.
“Loss is a part of every sporting journey.”
She also attended game three of the Men’s State of Origin at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Nathan played a stunning first half, scoring tries and conversions, leading to a strong NSW Blues victory over the Queensland Maroons. Mary watched from the stands and afterwards celebrated with her partner, who was also named Player of the Match for his efforts and was the 2026 Wally Lewis Medallist.
Mary also led the tributes to Nathan Cleary following his surgery after a leg injury. It followed his second time being voted Player’s Champion by NRL players.
“Thank you so much to everyone that has reached out, the support has been unbelievable,” Nathan wrote on his Instagram. “Yesterday sucked but it’s all part of the journey & it’s made me even more grateful for the people I have around me. I’ll be back.”
Mary shared the Player’s Champion news with the line, “As proud as oe can be. So well-deserved darling.”
The couple revealed they were in a relationship in 2023 and are going strong.
The footballer captioned the cute picture on New Year’s Eve, “Starting 2026 with the best dance partner”, to which Nathan playfully responded, “Hoping that 2026 brings some better dance moves…”
Mary is currently in a relationship with Australian rugby league player Nathan Cleary. They started dating in August 2023.
He was the first subject of her Instagram photography blog.
Nathan Cleary is an Australian professional rugby league footballer. He serves as the captain and halfback for the Penrith Panthers in the NRL, and plays for New South Wales’ team and for the Australian side, aka the Kangaroos.
Scroll on for some of their sweetest moments together
New Year’s Day 2026
The couple shared a snap on Instagram about starting the new year together with “the best dance partner.”
Mary was spending time with family in Queensland during the holiday period. This meant they missed fellow Aussie footballer Sam Kerr’s wedding.
Christmas in Queensland
Nathan joined Mary and her family for Christmas celebrations in Far North Queensland.
The two wore matching outfits and looked like they were having a fantastic time.
Football Queen in Queenstown
Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary travel a lot together. In December 2025, Mary shared a carousel of images and videos from the couple’s trip to Queenstown, New Zealand.
She also shared a sweet reel of the loved-up couple in an embrace, captioned, “A morning with my favourite person.”
Book launch in Manchester
While on a visit to the Manchester City footballer, Mary snapped this cute picture of Nathan holding up her newly launched memoir, Bloom.
Conwy Castle, Wales
Mary and Nathan explored Conwy Castle in Wales and took this cute selfie.
April sunshine
The couple enjoyed a respite from football with an afternoon with mates in the park.
February walks by the sea
Nathan came to visit Mary in Manchester, and the two braved the chilly February winds for a seaside stroll.
Whitsundays holiday snaps
Mary also posted a sweet holiday recap video of their trip to the Whitsundays:
Wholesome times
One of the first selfies that Mary shared of herself and Nathan. Simply captioned “Wholesome times.”
