The world of sport often witnesses unique rivalries, where players from different teams or codes leave an indelible mark on their sport’s history. The Australian sporting landscape has seen its fair share of such figures: from cricket to AFL, rugby to basketball, athletes constantly push the boundaries of performance. But what if an athlete from one sport were to influence another, leaving the kind of lasting impact that changes the game? This is exactly what has started to unfold with Mary Fowler’s surprising effect on Nathan Cleary, and by extension, the National Rugby League (NRL).
Mary Fowler is a household name in Australian football, renowned for her technical skills, agility, and leadership. Meanwhile, Nathan Cleary, the dynamic halfback for the Penrith Panthers, has become synonymous with precision and consistency in the NRL. Fowler’s influence on Cleary could raise eyebrows, but it may very well be a sign of a shifting tide in Australian sport, one where athletes from different disciplines begin to inspire and reshape one another’s approaches.
The Power of Cross-Code Influence
At first glance, it might seem far-fetched to suggest that Mary Fowler, an attacking midfielder for the Matildas (the Australian women’s football team), could have an impact on Nathan Cleary, a player at the helm of one of the NRL’s most dominant teams. But sport, in many ways, transcends the boundaries of code, and the impact one athlete has on another’s mindset and playing style is often more profound than it may seem.
Fowler, who’s become a prominent figure both on and off the field, has been lauded for her ability to read the game, make split-second decisions, and create opportunities for herself and her teammates. Cleary, known for his high football IQ, flawless kicking game, and the way he orchestrates Penrith’s attack, has displayed a similar sense of maturity and creativity. Yet it’s Fowler’s game-reading skills and decision-making under pressure that have started to resonate with Cleary.
For Cleary, the influence has been subtle but noticeable. Cleary’s already impressive ability to manage a game and dictate play has been enhanced in recent seasons, with many pointing to his new adaptability, which mirrors some of Fowler’s approach on the football field. Cleary’s decision-making has sharpened, and his ability to think two steps ahead is now even more apparent in crucial moments.
While this influence is not a direct mentorship, it’s undeniable that athletes of Fowler’s caliber in different disciplines have set standards for excellence that transcend their own sport, acting as a silent inspiration for others in vastly different arenas.
How Mary Fowler’s Approach Has Changed Nathan Cleary’s Game
Fowler’s playing style is defined by her control over the ball, awareness of space, and ability to break down defenses with intuitive decision-making. She is often seen creating space with her dribbles or delivering perfectly timed passes in the final third, all while under pressure. Cleary, known for his kicking accuracy and strong leadership qualities, now seems to be incorporating more of these football-style instincts into his own game.
Cleary’s newfound focus on reading the game and using his body to manipulate space—skills that Fowler has honed in football—has led him to improve his ability to direct his team in different game scenarios. Where once he may have been content to dictate play through conventional methods like his kicking game, he now often finds opportunities to shift the momentum in ways that mirror Fowler’s ability to change the direction of a football match with a single moment of brilliance.
His ability to execute tactical kicks and engage the defense in unpredictable ways speaks to a rising level of complexity in his game, which has likely been inspired by Fowler’s ability to make sudden and effective decisions under pressure. As Cleary looks for new ways to outthink his opponents, Fowler’s influence can be seen in the more fluid and unpredictable nature of his plays.
The Changing Nature of Sport
The integration of various athletic philosophies into the NRL is a natural progression as sports become more interconnected in the modern era. With athletes having access to a wide range of information from other sports—thanks to social media, digital platforms, and broader cross-code exposure—athletes like Cleary are able to draw inspiration from different sources. This cross-pollination can only benefit the players and fans alike, offering fresh perspectives on familiar strategies.
For Cleary, drawing inspiration from a player like Fowler could be seen as an evolution of his understanding of movement, spatial awareness, and game management. Both Cleary and Fowler are leaders on the field, and while they come from different sporting backgrounds, their leadership styles are increasingly similar.