Australia international soccer player Mary Fowler has withdrawn from the Matildas squad for upcoming fixtures in Europe and returned home to be with her injured partner, rugby league star Nathan Cleary, leaving senior football officials in Australia unimpressed.
The 23-year-old forward was granted leave by Football Australia due to personal circumstances, but her sudden departure came without detailed public explanation from the national governing body.
The Western Weekender reporter Nathan Taylor confirmed that Fowler was back in Australia while attending the Penrith Panthers presentation night on Tuesday. Taylor reported that Fowler was at home alongside Cleary as the National Rugby League star recovers from major surgical procedures on both of his legs.
Fowler is one of Australian sport's most prominent figures, having risen to national stardom after making her senior international debut for the Matildas at just 15 years old. Cleary co-captains the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League and is widely regarded as one of rugby league's premier halfbacks.
Cleary is facing a lengthy recovery period following emergency operations required after the Panthers suffered a preliminary final defeat against Newcastle. The halfback sustained a fractured left fibula and a dislocated left ankle during a tackle by Phoenix Crossland on September 27, which required immediate surgery.
In addition to the emergency procedure on his left leg, Cleary underwent a separate operation to address a stress fracture in his right foot that he had carried into the match. Subsequent medical reports clarified that his left tibia suffered no damage, correcting initial fears that both bones in his lower leg had been broken.
Frustration over notification timeline
Despite the severe nature of Cleary's injuries, neither Fowler nor Football Australia has officially confirmed that his recovery was the reason for her withdrawal. The sudden announcement reportedly caught her national teammates by surprise and sparked dissatisfaction among senior figures within Football Australia regarding how the decision was communicated.
Football Australia stated that the decision followed discussions between Fowler, her club Manchester City, and Matildas staff. However, several senior administrators within the federation reportedly only became aware of the player's departure when they woke on Tuesday to read the public statement, which was released at 6.30am AEDT.
Sources who were not authorised to speak publicly told Nine that senior officials were unimpressed by how they learned of the decision. Matildas winger Hayley Raso admitted on Tuesday that she had not spoken to Fowler before the squad was notified.
"I haven't spoken to Mary. I only just found out the news myself," Raso said. "Obviously, Mary's a really valuable player for our team, so it's sad that she's not here at this camp, but obviously, she has to take care of some personal circumstances."
Football Australia governs the national teams and domestic football operations, balancing player welfare with strict preparation protocols ahead of major international tournaments. Fowler plays her club football in England for Manchester City in the Women's Super League, the top flight of English women's football.
Tributes and fan support
Cleary paid an emotional tribute to Fowler while accepting the Dally M Medal last week, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining a relationship across opposite sides of the world.
"I also want to say a big thanks to my partner," Cleary said. "It's tough doing the long distance, but she always makes me feel supported and loved, and that's all I've ever asked for, and she's just amazing."
The Dally M Medal is the official individual award presented annually to the best player in the National Rugby League competition, marking Cleary's status as one of Australia's top sporting figures.
Fans were quick to connect Fowler's withdrawal with her boyfriend's recovery, with many defending her decision to step away from international duty on social media. "A side quest to Penrith on the cards?" one user wrote, while another added: "Thank you Mary, we appreciate you. That will make a huge difference for Nath in his recovery."
Other supporters emphasised the demands on the young athlete. "Omg, maybe she just wants to spend some time with her partner," one commented. A third added: "Mary has been playing since she was 15. A well-earned rest with her man is just what's called for."
Upcoming fixtures and precedent
Fowler's withdrawal came immediately after she reached a major milestone for her club in England, having made her 100th appearance for Manchester City a day prior. She came off the bench in City's 4-2 victory over Arsenal and showed no sign of physical injury during the match.
Her absence represents a setback for head coach Joe Montemurro as he prepares the Matildas for next year's World Cup, with Fowler's role in his starting lineup still to be finalized.
Australia face Germany in Karlsruhe on October 10 before meeting Haiti in Chambly, France, on October 14. "There's not that many camps or matches before the World Cup, so every one is so important," Raso said. "Having a game against a top side like Germany is really important."
This is not the first time Fowler has stepped away from the national team setup. She previously withdrew from Matildas fixtures against Brazil and Chinese Taipei in November 2024, explaining that she needed time to recharge physically and mentally.
"Playing for the national team is something that I never take for granted," Fowler said at the time. "I have, however, through past experiences, come to realise that my mind and my body are also things that I should also never take for granted."
