NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has expressed interest in the idea of Nathan Cleary possibly joining the new Papua New Guinea (PNG) expansion team, primarily due to the connection between Cleary and Matildas player Mary Fowler. Last year, it was announced that a team based in Port Moresby would officially enter the NRL from 2028, in a significant $600 million investment aimed at expanding the league’s reach.
Abdo believes that Fowler’s PNG heritage could strengthen the new franchise’s appeal, especially considering her relationship with Cleary, a prominent halfback with the Penrith Panthers. The NRL’s push for growth into new markets like PNG could potentially benefit from the increased attention that comes from Fowler’s fanbase, highlighting a unique crossover between sports and personal relationships. Abdo noted, “There will be a lot of people that are Mary Fowler fans that now are interested in rugby league,” suggesting that their romance might attract new viewers to the sport.
While the notion of Cleary donning the colours of the new franchise may seem far-fetched, it’s worth noting that financial incentives could make such a move more viable. Should he choose to play for PNG, the tax breaks provided to players, combined with the lucrative contract offers expected from the franchise, could render Cleary the highest-paid player in the game’s history.
Despite Cleary’s loyalty to the Panthers—where he has spent his entire career—he acknowledged the appeal of playing in a new team context, especially with such benefits in play. “It’s pretty cool with the incentive of the tax that they can try and draw big-name players in,” he commented during an interview in Las Vegas, adding that discussions about family and personal circumstances would only intensify as such opportunities develop.
The conversation about recruitment and team expansion comes as the NRL also contemplates further growth, including the potential addition of a franchise in Perth. This aligns with the NRL’s ongoing strategy to broaden its horizons and engage a larger audience, signalling a promising future for the league and its stakeholders.
In summary, the potential for Nathan Cleary to join the PNG side could create an intriguing dynamic for rugby league, driven by both his talent and the cultural ties brought by Mary Fowler. As the NRL progresses towards its expansion goals, significant player movements and heartwarming stories like these could shape the league’s narrative in the coming years.