Nathan Cleary finally returns to Australia for shoulder surgery after holiday lovefest with girlfriend Mary Fowler, but for how long?

Nathan Cleary’s lovefest in Europe with Mary Fowler is over, with the NRL superstar preparing for off-season shoulder surgery back home in Sydney.

It comes almost a month after the halfback guided Penrith to a fourth successive premiership – and many footy fans want to know if Cleary will seek a bombshell release from his contract and be based overseas with his girlfriend. 

Cleary, 26, made the most of his time abroad with Matildas young gun Fowler, watching the English Super League grand final, a Manchester City WSL game before heading to Switzerland and Spain.

His surgery was delayed after Cleary’s specialist was on leave – but he is booked in for November 4.

NRL Physio Brien Seeney said Cleary’s Latarjet surgery will help stabilise his left shoulder and potentially avoid future dislocations.

‘For that type of shoulder surgery, it’s the gold standard,’ Seeney told News Corp.

‘They take a piece of bone from the shoulder blade and attach it to the front of the ball and socket joint. They are trying to deepen the socket to make the joint more stable and less likely to pop out.

‘The good news is that it can be a quick recovery, around three to four months and it has a low re-dislocation rate.’

Cleary, 26, made the most of his time abroad Mary Fowler, watching the English Super League grand final, a Manchester City WSL game before heading to Switzerland and Spain

The halfback also attended a Matildas game (pictured, with Katrina Gorry’s daughter Harper)

Cleary was at the English Super League grand final, as rumours swirl he may leave Penrith to be closer to Mary Fowler

Cleary is tipped to resume light training leading into Christmas – and can start contact work in February.

He then hopes to take part in the Panthers’ 2025 season opener against the Sharks in Las Vegas on March 1. 

The sporting power couple went public with their relationship in November last year, after Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed photos of them together in Perth before a Matildas Olympic qualifier.

Cleary recently opened up about their relationship in detail, explaining how Fowler has changed his life for the better.

‘I’ve loved it, it’s all I ever could have dreamed of in having a partner, to be honest,’ he told Channel Nine’s Marlee and Me podcast.

‘It’s added new perspective, but it’s also added an extra layer that when things are going good, you want to share with them and want to talk about it….and when things aren’t going good, they’re there too.

‘She is super supportive and I’ve absolutely loved it. It’s just a great addition to life, to be honest, and made me really happy. Love wins.’