Injured rugby league star Nathan Cleary has thanked his partner, Matildas attacker Mary Fowler, after she travelled to Australia to support him following major surgery.
Fowler pulled out of the Australian national team’s latest fixtures and returned to Sydney to be with Cleary during his recovery.
On Sunday evening, Cleary shared several Instagram photos showing the couple spending time together over the previous few days.
“There is not enough room in this caption for all the wonderful words I could use to describe Mary Fowler. She is truly incredible,” he wrote.
“I cannot thank you enough for travelling across the world to care for me and stay by my side throughout this first week of recovery. I feel extremely fortunate and deeply grateful.”
Fowler replied that she also felt “very lucky”, adding that caring for him was easy because he was “a big cutie patootie”.
The Manchester City forward had previously shared an image of herself alongside Cleary and his dog, Prince, while supporting Cleary’s teammate Liam Henry at a Parkinson’s fundraising event on Saturday.
Her visit clarified why she had withdrawn from the Matildas squad, with the decision initially attributed to “personal circumstances”.
Matildas coach Joe Montemurro discussed Fowler’s absence before the match in Karlsruhe.
“It is essential that we provide an environment which supports the player. As the matter is private, I will not offer any further details,” Montemurro said.
“We spoke with Mary, her club and the other relevant parties. We are confident that the correct decision was made, and everyone involved supports it.”
With Fowler unavailable, the Matildas conceded twice early against Germany. Although they later reduced the deficit to 3-2 and showed signs of a recovery, they were unable to complete the comeback and eventually lost 4-2.
Midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross was also omitted from the squad as she continues working toward a return to elite football following her mother’s death in July.
Fowler is also set to miss the Matildas’ upcoming friendly against Haiti in France.
Cleary fractured his left leg during Penrith’s NRL preliminary-final loss to Newcastle. He also had an operation on his right foot to repair a stress fracture.
The 28-year-old is currently using a wheelchair, with social media images showing Fowler adjusting his medical boot and massaging his thigh as she assists with his recovery.
Manchester City are scheduled to face Brighton in their next WSL fixture in seven days.
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
