LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Panthers bigwig Brian Fletcher dropped a cheeky hint that they may need to do some strategic maneuvers to bring Mary Fowler back to Aussie turf to ensure Nathan Cleary sticks around for the long haul.
The NRL whiz-kid won't be lingering around to bask in the glory of the premiership win with his Panther pals for too long, as he's gearing up to fly off to the UK to catch up with Fowler.
Cleary, the maestro who helped steer the Panthers to four consecutive premierships, is scheduled to touch down in the UK shortly to reunite with his lady love.
Despite clinching the title on Sunday night, Cleary isn't wasting any time and is set to kick off his overseas trip without delay.
His dad and coach, Ivan Cleary, spilled the beans at the Panthers' awards night that Nathan is itching to jet off to England to be by Fowler's side.
Fowler, currently tearing it up in England playing for Manchester City, unfortunately missed the chance to witness the NRL grand final firsthand.
With shoulder surgery looming on the horizon, Cleary has decided to hold off for a couple of weeks to soak up some quality time with Fowler overseas.
Ivan Cleary shared with Channel 7, "He's off abroad to catch up with Mary, have a bit of downtime, and then he'll get the surgery sorted." The whispers in the rugby league circles are hinting that Cleary might even consider making a move to the Super League to be closer to Fowler for the long run.
As Fowler continues to shine in the top women's league in England, speculation is rife that Cleary could make the leap across the pond to be with his leading lady.