### **NRL REPORT: Mary Fowler Has Changed Nathan Cleary. That Could Be Bad News for the Rest of the Competition**

**Sydney, Australia** – In a surprising turn of events, **Mary Fowler**, one of the brightest rising stars in Australian women’s soccer, has had a major impact on **Nathan Cleary**, the undisputed leader of the Penrith Panthers and one of the most formidable halfbacks in the NRL. While at first, the connection between a soccer star and an NRL legend may seem unlikely, the changes Fowler has sparked in Cleary’s mindset and approach to the game could be a game-changer for the Panthers and potentially disastrous for the competition.

Fowler, known for her incredible vision on the field and her ability to create opportunities for her teammates, has apparently shared some of her techniques and mental approaches with Cleary during a series of training sessions. The results have been nothing short of remarkable. The synergy between these two athletes, despite their different sports, has led to Cleary adopting a more adaptable, creative, and versatile mindset.

#### **The Influence of Mary Fowler on Nathan Cleary**

Fowler’s approach to soccer has been celebrated for her tactical intelligence and her calm under pressure. She’s known for making quick, decisive decisions and reading the game in a way that allows her to exploit spaces and find key passes. Cleary, on the other hand, has long been praised for his precision as a halfback, but over the last few weeks, there’s been a noticeable shift in his game.

Cleary has started to incorporate more of Fowler’s creative flair into his playmaking. Instead of just relying on traditional structures, Cleary has begun to experiment with new angles, faster decision-making, and a more instinctive approach to organizing his forwards and backs. His ability to read the defense and break it down with quick, sharp passes, reminiscent of Fowler’s vision on the field, has already shown signs of improving the Panthers’ offensive flow.

**”Nathan’s always had the ability to control the game, but now he’s adding more variety to his game,”** said Penrith coach **Ivan Cleary**. **”It’s a combination of being able to dictate the game and also having the freedom to improvise when needed. That’s something Mary Fowler has taught him, and it’s great to see him growing as a player.”**

#### **Cleary’s New Playmaking Style**

This influence is expected to make Cleary even more dangerous in 2025. His combination of power and finesse has always been lethal, but with this new mindset, he’s now able to vary his tactics more effectively, adding unpredictability to his playmaking. Instead of always looking for the perfect pass or taking the calculated route, Cleary is now looking for the opportunities to break open a game with quick, dynamic plays.

While Cleary’s fundamental skillset has always been strong, this new element could put him in a different category. His ability to blend tactical structure with spontaneous flair makes him even harder to defend against. As teams start to prepare for Penrith, they will have to account for the fact that Cleary might break from traditional strategies at any moment, potentially throwing their defensive systems into disarray.

**”He’s been a lot more free in how he’s approaching the game,”** said **Api Koroisau**, a teammate and former Panther. **”He’s still the same leader on the field, but now he’s a lot more fluid. I think it’s going to throw a lot of teams off balance.”**

#### **What This Means for the Rest of the NRL**

The potential impact on the rest of the competition is significant. Cleary has long been a player that teams have to plan their defense around, but with this new approach, he becomes an even bigger threat. The Panthers have been known for their well-structured and disciplined style of play, but the infusion of creativity into Cleary’s game could make Penrith unpredictable.

This could be the key to Penrith’s quest for another NRL title in 2025. If Cleary can execute this newfound flexibility in his playmaking, combined with the power of his forwards and the finishing ability of players like **Brian To’o**, **Stephen Crichton**, and **Viliame Kikau**, the Panthers could become even more formidable than they already are.

**”Nathan’s ability to innovate on the fly makes him the most dangerous halfback in the game,”** said **Brad Fittler**, former coach of the New South Wales Blues. **”When you combine that with Penrith’s physicality and their ability to dominate the forwards, you’re looking at a team that’s almost impossible to prepare for.”**

The NRL’s other teams will have to adjust quickly if they want to keep pace with Penrith. Coaches will need to reconsider their defensive strategies against Cleary, who is now capable of controlling the flow of the game and breaking through defensive schemes with unpredicted moments of brilliance. The addition of Fowler’s influence could make him a player who not only controls a game but dominates it with flair and ingenuity.

#### **Looking Ahead: Can the Panthers Dominate with Cleary’s New Mindset?**

The big question now is whether Nathan Cleary’s enhanced creativity will be enough to propel the Panthers back to another NRL title. With the added dimension to his playmaking, it’s clear that Cleary is entering a new phase of his career — one where he is no longer just a tactician but an unpredictable force who can turn a game on its head.

For Penrith, this could be the difference-maker. They have long been considered one of the strongest teams in the NRL, but with this added layer of unpredictability, they could elevate their game to another level. The presence of Cleary as a more dynamic playmaker, with the added influence of Fowler’s tactical vision, could give the Panthers the upper hand in their quest for a third NRL championship in as many years.

If Cleary continues to evolve under this new mindset, there’s no telling how far the Panthers can go. The competition will certainly be watching closely, as Nathan Cleary’s evolution could very well become the difference between success and failure for teams vying to dethrone Penrith as the kings of the NRL.

#### **Conclusion: Cleary’s Next Evolution**

The connection between Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary may have been an unexpected one, but its influence on Cleary’s game could be the key to unlocking another level of success for the Penrith Panthers. If he can continue to blend his natural leadership with this newfound creativity, the rest of the NRL is in for a tough season ahead.

For Penrith, the future looks even brighter with a more dynamic Nathan Cleary, and for the competition, it could be bad news. As Cleary’s game reaches new heights, the Panthers will once again be a force to be reckoned with — and the rest of the NRL will need to catch up.