Nathan Cleary is the calm presence steering the Penrith Panthers through the NRL’s biggest games. According to Esquire Australia (men’s lifestyle publication), his salary hits $1.3 million in 2026.
Age: 26 (born 14 November 1997) ·
Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) ·
Weight: 91 kg ·
NRL Premierships: 3 (2021, 2022, 2023) ·
Instagram Followers: 501K
Quick snapshot
- Nathan Cleary is in a relationship with Mary Fowler (Now To Love (Australian celebrity news))
- Cleary’s NRL salary is $1.3 million in 2026 (Esquire Australia (men’s lifestyle))
- Exact net worth components are not publicly disclosed
- Future marriage plans remain private
- First public dating reports: August 2023 (Now To Love)
- First official couple photo: April 2024 (Now To Love)
- Potential Super League move could reportedly double his pay (Sportsocratic (NRL analysis blog))
| Full Name | Nathan Cleary |
|---|---|
| Born | 14 November 1997 |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Weight | 91 kg |
| Position | Halfback |
| Team | Penrith Panthers |
Is Mary Fowler still with Nathan Cleary?
Multiple reports confirm the pair are still together as of early 2025. According to Now To Love (Australian celebrity news), the couple were first linked in August 2023 after being spotted on an ice cream date. Cleary later supported Fowler at the Olympic Qualifiers in Perth in October 2023, and they shared their first official couple photo on Instagram in April 2024. The Australian Women’s Weekly (women’s magazine) also reports that the relationship became public in August 2023 and remains ongoing.
In December 2024, Cleary spoke about the challenges of a long-distance relationship, acknowledging the difficulty of being apart while both pursue demanding sporting careers.
Does Mary Fowler have a child?
No. As of 2024, neither Mary Fowler nor Nathan Cleary have any children, based on available public records and interviews.
How much is Nathan Cleary paid?
Cleary is among the highest-paid players in the NRL, with multiple sources converging on a figure of $1.3 million for the 2026 season. Esquire Australia (men’s lifestyle publication) lists him at $1.3 million, while Man of Many (lifestyle & culture) calls him equal highest-paid in the league. Zero Tackle (NRL player database) also shows $1.3 million for both 2026 and 2027, indicating a long-term deal.
One outlier estimate from Sportsocratic (NRL analysis blog) suggests the current salary may be closer to $1.5 million, though this is not corroborated by more established sources.
A move to the Super League could reportedly double that figure, but staying in the NRL offers legacy and stability with Penrith.
Who earns more, Mary Fowler or Nathan Cleary?
Nathan Cleary earns significantly more based on available data. While Mary Fowler’s exact salary as a Matildas and Manchester City player is not publicly detailed, Matildas players typically earn well below top NRL halves. Cleary’s $1.3 million dwarfs the average Matildas contract.
Who is the richest NRL player?
Cleary is among the richest, but not necessarily the richest. Man of Many ranks him as equal highest-paid along with a few other halfbacks, but some players like Daly Cherry-Evans and Payne Haas also command top-tier contracts.
Three sources, one pattern: Cleary’s value is consistently at the top of the NRL market.
| Source | Reported Salary | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Esquire Australia (men’s lifestyle) | $1.3 million | 2026 |
| Man of Many (lifestyle & culture) | $1.3 million | 2026 |
| Sportsocratic (NRL analysis) | $1.5 million (estimated) | 2024 |
The pattern: Cleary’s salary benchmarks him squarely among the NRL’s elite earners, with any valuation gap coming down to source methodology rather than actual pay packet.
Does Nathan Cleary have a baby?
No. Neither Cleary nor Fowler have announced any pregnancy or birth. Both focus on their sporting careers, with Cleary playing for Penrith and Fowler for Manchester City and the Matildas. No children are reported as of late 2024.
What pub does Nathan Cleary own?
According to multiple reports, Cleary is the owner of a sports bar in Penrith, scheduled to open in June 2024. The venue is part of his personal investment portfolio, signalling a move toward post-playing business ventures. Specific details about the name and exact location remain under wraps.
The sports bar represents a shift from on-field earnings to asset-building, a pattern common among savvy NRL stars preparing for life after rugby.
When will Nathan Cleary’s sports bar open in Penrith?
As of early 2025, no official opening date has been confirmed publicly, though reports from mid-2024 indicated a June 2024 target that appears to have been delayed.
The implication: Cleary is building a post-football portfolio, but the timeline remains fluid.
Is Nathan Cleary religious?
Yes. Cleary has identified as a Christian in previous interviews, though he keeps the specifics of his faith private. The belief system appears to influence his personal life, but he rarely discusses it in the media.
Timeline
- 14 November 1997 – Born in Sydney, Australia.
- 2016 – NRL debut for Penrith Panthers.
- 2020 – Signs a contract extension reportedly worth $1.3M per season.
- 2021 – Wins first NRL premiership.
- 2022 – Wins second NRL premiership.
- 2023 – Wins third NRL premiership, named Dally M Halfback of the Year.
- August 2023 – First public reports link Cleary with Mary Fowler (Now To Love).
- April 2024 – Cleary and Fowler share first official couple photo (Now To Love).
- June 2024 (projected) – Sports bar in Penrith expected to open (reported).
Clarity: What’s Confirmed vs Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Relationship with Mary Fowler
- NRL salary $1.3M in 2026
- Three NRL premierships (2021–2023)
- Fullback position, Penrith Panthers
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth (salary is disclosed, but endorsements and investments are not)
- Religious beliefs beyond identifying as Christian
- Future marriage or children plans
- Specific business earnings from sports bar
Quotes
Nathan Cleary has been listed as earning $1.3 million per season, placing him at the top of the NRL salary bracket.
Esquire Australia
Cleary and Fowler went public with their relationship in April 2024, sharing a photo on Instagram that confirmed what fans had suspected for months.
Now To Love
Summary
Nathan Cleary is among the NRL’s elite, with a salary to match and a career track record that includes three consecutive premierships. His personal life with Mary Fowler is a subject of high public interest, while his business ventures indicate a forward-looking mindset. For Penrith fans, the choice is clear: enjoy the Cleary era while it lasts, or watch him build an empire off the field.
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For a deeper look at Nathan Clearys biography and salary details, including his career milestones and off-field ventures, this profile provides a thorough overview.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nathan Cleary’s jersey number?
He wears the number 7 jersey for the Penrith Panthers, the traditional halfback number.
How many tries has Nathan Cleary scored in the NRL?
As of the end of the 2024 season, he has scored over 50 tries, with his try‑assist numbers far higher.
Does Nathan Cleary have any siblings?
Yes, he has a younger sister named Lily Cleary.
Where did Nathan Cleary grow up?
He grew up in Sydney, New South Wales, and played junior rugby league for the Sydney Roosters before moving to Penrith.
What awards has Nathan Cleary won?
He has won the Dally M Halfback of the Year (2023), two RLPA Players’ Champion awards, and three NRL Premierships.
How long has Nathan Cleary been with the Penrith Panthers?
He made his NRL debut for Penrith in 2016 and has remained with the club ever since.
Is Nathan Cleary religious?
Yes, he has identified as Christian in interviews, though he keeps his faith private.
When did Nathan Cleary make his NRL debut?
He debuted for the Penrith Panthers in Round 24 of the 2016 NRL season.
Daniel Harper is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Pulse, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.