Nathan Cleary Grateful for Mary Fowler's Matildas Absence Support 2026

Nathan Cleary has publicly expressed his gratitude to Mary Fowler for her support during his recovery, confirming the reason behind her recent Matildas absence. The injured rugby league star took to Instagram on Sunday to thank his partner for flying to Australia to be by his side after major surgery.

Fowler, a forward for Manchester City and the Australian national team, withdrew from the Matildas' squad for their friendly against Germany on Saturday, which Australia lost 4-2. Her absence was initially described as due to "personal circumstances," but Cleary's heartfelt post confirmed that she had traveled to Sydney to care for him.

The Reason Behind Mary Fowler's Matildas Absence

Cleary's Instagram post featured a series of photos of the couple's time together in recent days, along with a caption expressing his deep appreciation. "I simply do not have enough space in this caption for the amount of nice adjectives I would use to describe Mary Fowler but this woman is the absolute best!" he wrote. "I can't thank you enough for flying to the other side of the world to look after me and be by my side during this past week of recovery. I'm a very lucky man and so, so grateful."

Fowler responded to the post with a playful comment, saying she was "very lucky" and that "it's easy to look after someone when they're a big cutie patootie." The couple's exchange delighted fans and highlighted their strong bond.

Earlier, Fowler had shared a photo of herself with Cleary and his dog, Prince, while supporting Cleary's teammate Liam Henry, who was fundraising for Parkinson's on Saturday. This further confirmed that she was in Australia to support both her partner and his community.

Matildas Coach Addresses Fowler's Absence

Matildas coach Joe Montemurro addressed Fowler's absence before the match in Karlsruhe. "It's really important that we create an environment where players feel supported in all aspects of their lives," he said. "Mary has our full support and we look forward to having her back soon."

Fowler's absence was felt on the field as the Matildas fell to Germany, but the team's focus remains on upcoming fixtures and the continued development of the squad.

Nathan Cleary's Recovery and Return Timeline

Cleary underwent major surgery and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. His recovery is crucial for the Penrith Panthers and the New South Wales Blues, who rely on his playmaking abilities. The support of Fowler has been instrumental in his rehabilitation process.

Key Takeaways

• Mary Fowler missed the Matildas' friendly against Germany to support Nathan Cleary in Sydney.
• Cleary expressed deep gratitude on Instagram for Fowler's care during his recovery from major surgery.
• Matildas coach Joe Montemurro emphasized the importance of supporting players in all aspects of their lives.
• The couple's public exchange has endeared them to fans, showcasing their strong relationship.

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