LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Nathan Cleary caught off guard by mention of Mary Fowler after Panthers break winless streak
The NRL champs snagged their first victory of the season in controversial style against Parramatta.
After the Panthers outduelled the Eels on Friday night, the last thing on Nathan Cleary's mind was a question about his gal Mary Fowler.
However, that's exactly where Brad Fittler steered the chat in a post-game interview.
The Panthers clawed their way to a 26-18 triumph over Parramatta, breaking a losing streak that threatened to dampen the spirits of the reigning premiers.
Following a showdown against Wigan in the World Club Challenge, the Panthers faced consecutive defeats with the Storm causing a major upset with an 8-0 win in the NRL season opener.
Any doubts of a premiership hangover were swiftly put to rest on Friday night as Cleary commanded his team flawlessly.
It was the first time the Panthers had bested the Eels in a regular-season clash since 2021, and the relief was palpable on Cleary's face post-game.
However, the Panthers' co-captain was caught off guard by his former State of Origin coach when Fittler unexpectedly shifted the conversation to Fowler during a post-game segment on Channel 9.
Bantering about the Panthers' recent losses, Fittler jokingly asked: "Feeling the heat because your missus is such a champ?"