LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has publicly expressed his hope that Mary Fowler's heritage will help grow rugby league in Papua New Guinea and ensure the success of the new team in Port Moresby.
With the Australian government providing $600 million for the establishment of the PNG franchise in 2028, part of the funds will go towards creating a gated community for players and their families, with the added incentive of tax breaks for potential recruits.
Speculation has been circulating about top players who may be drawn to the team, with Nathan Cleary being a prime target.
Cleary's connection to PNG through Fowler's mother, who was born there, has added to the speculation.
Abdo mentioned on the 'Hello Sport' podcast his hopes that Cleary and Fowler's relationship will continue to promote the PNG franchise, suggesting that Cleary joining the team in the future would be an exciting prospect.
Cleary, who was in Las Vegas for the NRL's season opener, acknowledged that someone like him without young children would be a good fit for the PNG team.
Abdo emphasized the potential appeal of Cleary and Fowler's relationship in attracting new fans to rugby league.
Abdo stated, "It could be something that plays out in the future as something really exciting.
A really exciting combination isn't it? It captivates people.
There will be a lot of people that are Mary Fowler fans that now are interested in rugby league.
There's a lot of people who know nothing about sport who are interested in the romance between the two.
And obviously if Nathan was playing for PNG down the track that would be pretty interesting as well."
The possibility of Cleary joining the PNG franchise alongside Fowler, with the support of the significant government funding and unique living arrangements, has generated anticipation and interest in the rugby league community.