Why Mary Fowler’s dreams and plans will shape Nathan Cleary’s next move |
Why Mary Fowler’s dreams and plans will shape Nathan Cleary’s next move
May 17, 2026 — 3:30am
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Money will be near the bottom of the list of factors Nathan Cleary considers when he makes his next footballing move. Family, love and new success are the keys. The dreams and plans of his partner, Matildas star Mary Fowler, will be a huge consideration – and the power couple’s desire to become parents will be a factor.
That is part of their future and where to have a family is a consideration. On a sporting front, Nathan is after an athletic challenge – what that looks like is difficult to define.
Peter Wallace, who was named during the week to take over from Ivan Cleary as Panthers head coach in 2028, is the key asset in Penrith’s quest to re-sign the champion halfback. This isn’t just spin from the Panthers chief executive Matt Cameron.
On the quiet, Liam Martin has told his agent Allan Gainey he would love to play under Wallace. And you’d think that Ivan would only endorse Wallace for the job after at least a private chat with Nathan.
Wallace is a smart coach and a relatable figure to so many in the league community. He was brought up by his mother without knowing his father. He dropped out of school in Year 10 and did an apprenticeship in painting. The former Blues, Panthers and Broncos half was not a schoolboy superstar but made it to the top through hard work and courage. He is not a big noter and doesn’t chase or crave spotlight. He played alongside Nathan and is admired by him. They both have a humble nature.
Nathan’s humility and lack of desire to be in the spotlight may help Penrith do a deal with him before November 1 when he would hit the open market. The stories circulating about him are out of control. And there will be interest in him from every club between Port Moresby to Bondi Beach. That speculation can only be avoided by signing a deal with Penrith for less than he would earn elsewhere.
V’landys denies reports of Meninga feud
NRL boss Peter V’landys has strongly refuted suggestions he is feuding with Perth Bears coach and rugby league legend Mal Meninga.
The NRL is definitely frustrated with Meninga and they are gobsmacked he is still living in Canberra. However, reports elsewhere that V’landys and Meninga are fighting is a lazy way to describe what is going on. “To say Mal and I are feuding is just laughable,” V’landys said.
The NRL is also aware of the frosty relationship between coaches Meninga and assistant Ben Gardiner. There are still suggestions that Gardiner could end up in the English Super League in the coming months, despite him purchasing a house in Perth.
Meninga and Gardiner are active in meetings, but it is my........