A league of THEIR OWN

THE NRL FINALS ARE HEATING UP, BUT IT'S THE OFF-FIELD ANTICS THAT HAVE PEOPLE TALKING

NATHAN & MARY MEET UP
‘HE’S SMITTEN’

NRL legend Nathan Cleary and Matildas star Mary Fowler caused a stir when they were seen eating ice-cream together last month, and it seems things are only getting sweeter between the rumoured sporting power couple.

The pair, who have since been spotted taking a walk along the Nepean River in Sydney, are getting closer, a source tells New Idea.

“Nathan’s mates have said he’s smitten with Mary and they’ve never seen him like this with any other girl!” an insider reveals. “And, according to a few of her Matildas’ teammates, they’ve already given her the thumbs up!

“Nath was a clear favourite among the team because he knows better than anyone the pressure cooker of playing professional sport.”

With their sporting careers sending them around the world, we’re told Mary, 20, and the Penrith Panthers co-captain, 34, won’t let distance keep them apart for long.

“Because Mary plays for Super League side Manchester City, Nathan is probably weighing up if they can do the distance thing. Mary’s season kicks off in October and goes through until May next year,” says the source.

“She’s upset she is going to miss the NRL grand final if Penrith make it through.

“On the same day as the final is her opening match … coming off the back of the World Cup, there’s no way Mary can get a leave pass for Man City’s first game against West Ham United.”