After witnessing the NRL premiership hero congratulate the other member of his “power couple,” fans are making connections.
The Matildas’ match against the Philippines on Sunday afternoon at Optus Stadium, featuring Penrith premiership hero Nathan Cleary, has set off a chain reaction of rumors.
Since they were photographed out for ice cream during the Women’s World Cup, there have been a lot of rumors that the NRL star has been dating Matildas sharpshooter Mary Fowler. However, Cleary has consistently refuted these rumors.
When questioned about the rumors late last month, Jarome Luai, Cleary’s Premiership colleague, seemed to all but confirm the romantic relationship.
Furthermore, pictures from the Philippines’ 8-0 destruction of the Olympic qualification match on Sunday do not appear to refute Fowler and Cleary’s relationship.
When Matildas supporter Annie Lewin shared a picture of herself with Cleary outside the stadium on Instagram, one friend had the obvious reaction.
With a few provocative emoticons, @sienna_kate_ wrote, “Hmmmmn what was Nathan doing there…”
A different image of the 25-year-old was shared on Facebook by Nongah Christopher Kone, who took a selfie with the medallist for Clive Churchill.
I’m glad to have met you, legend,” the admirer wrote in regards to Cleary.
When questioned about his love life at a September training session, Cleary steadfastly denied any connection to the rumors.
The halfback laughed nervously and replied, “Nah, nah, we’re not going to get into that.”
However, Luai was significantly more expansive and might have thrown him under the bus.
Luai said, “Nathan Cleary, shhhh,” when asked which Penrith player would be most likely to date a Matildas player.
When reporters inquired about whether players were discussing Cleary and Fowler in the locker rooms, Luai was more than happy to lead them into Penrith’s inner sanctuary.
“That’s all,” he continued, referring to Cleary’s reluctance to talk to the media following the initial spread of rumors regarding his relationship with Fowler.
I’ve been attempting to elicit some details from him.
“I want to see my brother content; he seems to be seeking love.”
“Yes, but let’s see how they work out first.”
The Hello Sport Podcast hosts had already announced the emergence of a new Australian sporting “power couple.”
Adidas sponsors both of them, therefore it’s possible that they were attending an event. However, the fact that you’re sharing an ice cream cone with someone says something, according to podcast host Tom Birmingham at the time.
It’s almost as if you’re holding hands.
“At this point, do we not have a power couple?”
The two were spotted strolling along the Nepean River’s banks at Penrith’s Tench Reserve on August 8.
While acknowledging that he was in a relationship with Fowler, Cleary expressed his frustration with the media’s focus on his personal life at a press conference held prior to the NRL finals.
The Penrith captain remarked, “It’s a little bit annoying to not have a private life, but it is what it is.”
However, I like to keep anything I can maintain private and avoid talking about it too much.
“With social media, things take off pretty quickly, but I’ll try to keep a private life if I can.”