Manchester soccer star Mary Fowler reunites with Panthers player boyfriend Nathan Cleary as they navigate long-distance romance

Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary have proven that sometimes, long-distance romances really do work. 

The athletes, who have been dating since 2023, may spend most of the year oceans apart, but they also make time to rekindle their flame. 

This week, Manchester City player Mary, 23, who is based in the UK, shared an intimate glimpse at a recent reunion between the pair. 

The series of images, shared on Instagram, showed the Aussie soccer player and her Penrith Panthers footballer partner, who has remained in Australia, sharing some precious time together in Australia. 

In one mirror selfie, Mary and Nathan, 28, cuddled up as they made funny faces for the camera. 

In others, they spent days at the beach and exploring scenic bushland, as well as downtime at home. 

'Home,' Mary captioned the carousel of photos, adding a heart icon.  

Nathan has previously indicated he will eventually move to England to be closer to partner Mary.

The couple have spent much of the past three years navigating a long-distance relationship, with Fowler based in England while playing for Manchester City and Cleary remaining in Sydney throughout the NRL season. 

Cleary is contracted with Penrith until the end of the 2027 season, the same year his father, Ivan Cleary, is set to step down as Panthers coach.

Meanwhile, Fowler remains committed to Manchester City and has previously stated she wants to continue playing at the highest level in England, leading to persistent speculation that Cleary could eventually head overseas.

Before this year's Origin series, Andrew Johns suggested the only realistic destination outside the NRL would be England if Cleary ever decided to leave Penrith. 

Nathan admitted earlier this year that deciding where he plays beyond 2027 will be one of the biggest decisions of his career.

He has previously said he will discuss his future with Fowler but stressed no decision would be rushed, with both athletes focused on their current commitments.

They were first linked during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup after fans noticed interactions between the pair on social media.

Cleary later confirmed they had been speaking before the pair were photographed together publicly for the first time.

Just weeks later, Fowler attended the NRL grand final as Cleary helped Penrith secure a third consecutive premiership.

Since then, they have become one of Australia's highest-profile sporting couples, balancing elite careers on opposite sides of the world.

Their relationship has continued to attract attention, with reports suggesting that Fowler's future plans could eventually play a significant role in Cleary's next career decision.