LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Penrith CEO Brian Fletcher has hit back after facing criticism for his recent comments about star couple Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler.
The outspoken boss made light of the situation by suggesting a cheeky plan to bring Fowler back to Australia to keep Cleary at the Panthers.
"It might be the other way around," Fletcher joked.
"Mary will come back here I'd say to be closer to him." He then emphasized that it's the responsibility of the football department to make this happen.
While some fans took Fletcher's remarks with a pinch of salt, others were quick to dismiss them as unrealistic and outlandish.
Critics deemed the idea of Fowler giving up her lucrative contract with Manchester City to return to Australia as "delusional" and "embarrassing."
Addressing the backlash, Fletcher defended his comments by reiterating the club's commitment to keeping Cleary and coach Ivan Cleary at Penrith until the end of '27.
He expressed his determination to extend their stay at the foot of the mountains for as long as possible.