Footy legend tells Nathan Cleary to make a bombshell move so he can be with girlfriend Mary Fowler

• Sport power couple are separated by 17,000km
• Have just reunited as Matildas play in Australia

By ANDREW PRENTICE FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Legendary rugby league enforcer Mark Carroll has a message for NRL superstar Nathan Cleary: follow your heart, quit Aussie footy and live with Mary Fowler in England.

Carroll, 58, pointed to the fact Cleary has won four NRL premierships with Penrith, played in three winning State of Origin series with NSW and won a World Cup with the Kangaroos in 2021.

‘He will [also] be part of the revived Kangaroo tour at the end of the year, providing he is fit,’ Carroll said in an opinion piece for The Nightly.

‘At 27, his legacy in the game is ensured. There’s not much more for him to prove.’ 

Cleary is contracted with the Panthers until the end of 2027 and hasn’t approached the club for a release.

But with Fowler on the books of Manchester City, she won’t be returning to play in the A-League women’s competition anytime soon, meaning the couple will have to continue their long-distance relationship unless Cleary makes a move.

Legendary rugby league enforcer Mark Carroll (pictured, playing for the Manly Sea Eagles) has a message for NRL superstar Nathan Cleary – follow your heart and live with Mary Fowler in England 

Carroll, 58, pointed to the fact Cleary has already won four NRL premierships with Penrith, played in three winning State of Origin series with NSW and won a World Cup with the Kangaroos in 2021

Cleary caught up with Fowler in Sydney and Newcastle (pictured, in black cap) in recent days, with the Matildas playing two matches against South Korea 

Carroll (pictured, with daughter Indianna) believes Cleary has already left an impressive legacy in Australia

‘I’m sure he and Mary have discussed a move and I hope he does take the leap,’ Carroll said.

‘It would not only be a great love story, but would be a move into uncharted rugby league waters.’

Cleary caught up with Fowler in Sydney and Newcastle in recent days, with the Matildas playing two matches against South Korea.

Fowler was on the scoresheet in Monday’s 2-0 win at McDonald Jones Stadium – and as their relationship continues to blossom, speculation of their future will only intensify.

The two-time Clive Churchill medallist has previously stated a bombshell switch to rugby union – which sees stars in Europe rake in commanding salaries – has been on his mind, but he’s not prepared to turn the footy world upside down at the moment.

‘It’s something I’ve thought about but I don’t know, I’m really happy in league and it’s always been my passion,’ he said in early March.

The 27-year-old has also been thinking about starting a family with Fowler.

‘Definitely want to [have kids] in the future. I’d love for it to be with Mary, I just think she’ll be the best mother,’ Cleary said on the Keegan and Company podcast.

‘But yeah, we’ll see. It’s not a rush at the moment but definitely in the future … post footy, I would love to have a little family of my own.’

In November of 2023, exclusive Daily Mail Australia photos taken in a Perth park saw Australia’s sporting power couple go official.

The pair first met at a photo shoot for Adidas, a brand both athletes endorse.

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Footy legend tells Nathan Cleary to make a bombshell move so he can be with girlfriend Mary Fowler

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