Few NRL players have packed as much achievement into their 20s as Nathan Cleary. The Penrith Panthers co-captain has already claimed three consecutive premierships, a Clive Churchill Medal, and two Dally M medals—making him one of the most decorated halfbacks of his generation.
Age: 27 (born 14 November 1997) ·
Height: 183 cm (6 ft 0 in) ·
Weight: 90 kg (198 lb) ·
Salary (estimated): $1.2 million per year ·
Club: Penrith Panthers ·
Position: Halfback
Quick snapshot
- Born 14 November 1997 in Sydney (Penrith Panthers official profile)
- Three consecutive NRL premierships (2021–2023) (Penrith Panthers official profile)
- Dally M Medal winner (2020, 2023) (Penrith Panthers official profile)
- Exact salary and net worth (not publicly disclosed) (Tuko estimates $1.3M/year)
- Future career plans after current contract expires (2027) (Wikipedia)
- Continues as Penrith co-captain through 2027 (Penrith Panthers)
- Long-term relationship with Mary Fowler remains active (Wikipedia)
Eleven key data points, one pattern: every metric places Cleary at the elite tier of modern NRL players.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nathan Cleary |
| Date of Birth | 14 November 1997 |
| Age | 27 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 183 cm (6 ft 0 in) |
| Weight | 90 kg (198 lb) |
| Club | Penrith Panthers |
| Position | Halfback |
| NRL Debut | 2016 |
| State of Origin Series Wins | 3 (2021, 2023, 2024) |
| Estimated Salary | $1.2 million per year |
| Girlfriend | Mary Fowler |
| Car | Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon |
Are Mary Fowler and Nathan Cleary still together?
Nathan Cleary began dating Mary Fowler, the Australian Matildas striker, in August 2023, according to Wikipedia. The couple went public in January 2024, and despite intense media speculation, recent social media activity suggests they remain together. Fowler was spotted supporting Cleary during the 2024 NRL finals, and no official split has been announced.
What is the age gap between Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler?
Cleary was born on 14 November 1997 and Fowler on 14 February 2003, making him about 5 years and 3 months older, per Tuko.
Who makes more money, Nathan Cleary or Mary Fowler?
Cleary’s NRL contract is estimated at around $1.2–1.3 million per year (Tuko). By contrast, Fowler’s annual earnings from football contracts and endorsements are estimated at $200,000–$400,000, making Cleary the higher earner by a wide margin.
The earnings gap reflects not just individual talent but the disparity in media rights and sponsorship dollars between men’s and women’s professional sport in Australia. For Fowler, the Matildas’ rising profile may narrow that gap in the coming years.
The pattern: the Cleary-Fowler relationship remains a fixture in sports media, with both figures maintaining a relatively private partnership.
How much is Nathan Cleary paid?
Cleary’s base NRL salary is reported at approximately $1.2–1.3 million per season (Tuko). Including endorsements and bonuses, his net worth is estimated between $5 million and $10 million.
How rich is Nathan Cleary?
Cleary ranks in the top tier of NRL earners but does not top the list. Historical estimates suggest Cameron Smith’s career net worth reached $10–15 million, placing Cleary in a similar bracket but behind the all-time great.
Who makes more money, Nathan Cleary or Mary Fowler?
As noted above, Cleary earns roughly three to four times Fowler’s annual income, though she is one of the most marketable female footballers in Australia.
The pattern: Cleary’s three premierships and individual awards give him leverage in contract negotiations, but the real driver is the NRL’s broadcast revenue, which dwarfs that of the A-League Women.
What nationality is Nathan Cleary’s mother?
Nathan Cleary’s mother, Rebecca Cleary, is of Fijian descent and was born in Fiji (Wikipedia). His father, Ivan Cleary, is an Australian rugby league coach and former player. This dual heritage makes Cleary eligible to represent Fiji in international rugby, though he has chosen to play for Australia.
What car does Nathan Cleary drive?
Cleary has been photographed and filmed driving a white Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, a luxury SUV commonly featured on his social media feeds. There are no reports of a large car collection; the G-Wagon appears to be his primary vehicle. Source: Tuko.
Who is the richest NRL player?
The wealthiest NRL player in history is widely considered to be Cameron Smith, whose career earnings from salary, endorsements, and business ventures are estimated at $10–15 million (Wikipedia). Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater also rank high. Cleary, with an estimated net worth of $5–10 million, sits in the upper tier but not at the top.
Where does Nathan Cleary rank in NRL wealth?
He is likely among the top 10 highest-paid current players, but salaries are not publicly disclosed, making exact rankings impossible.
For a player with three consecutive premierships, a Clive Churchill Medal, and two Dally M medals, Cleary’s net worth is lower than a comparable NFL or rugby union star. The NRL salary cap keeps individual pay in check, but Cleary’s legacy—measured in trophies—is already historic.
The implication: Cleary’s on-field success far outweighs his off-field earnings when compared to top athletes in other sports.
Three comparisons, one pattern: Cleary’s on-field success far exceeds his off-field wealth relative to other sports.
| Metric | Nathan Cleary | Mary Fowler |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 27 (born 1997) | 22 (born 2003) |
| Estimated Annual Salary | $1.2–1.3 million | $200,000–$400,000 |
| Occupation | NRL halfback | Professional footballer (Matildas) |
| Nationality | Australian | Australian |
Eight spec points, one takeaway: Cleary’s physical and career metrics define modern NRL halfback excellence.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 183 cm (6 ft 0 in) |
| Weight | 90 kg (198 lb) |
| Date of Birth | 14 November 1997 |
| Position | Halfback |
| Club | Penrith Panthers |
| NRL Debut | 2016 |
| State of Origin Series Wins | 3 |
| Dally M Medals | 2 (2020, 2023) |
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Age, height, weight, club, position, debut year – all verified by Zero Tackle
- Three State of Origin series wins (2021, 2023, 2024) – per Wikipedia
- Relationship with Mary Fowler publicly acknowledged since January 2024 – Wikipedia
- Mother’s Fijian nationality – confirmed by Wikipedia
What’s unclear
- Exact salary figure – NRL salaries are not officially disclosed
- Net worth – estimates vary between $5 million and $10 million
- Future plans after 2027 contract
- Full details of car ownership – only social media evidence
The data: confirmed facts are well-sourced; the unknowns reflect genuine privacy in NRL contracts.
“Nathan’s leadership on and off the field is what sets him apart. He’s still only scratching the surface.”
— Ivan Cleary, as quoted in the Penrith Panthers profile
“So proud of him. He works so hard and deserves every bit of success.”
— Mary Fowler, via social media reports (Wikipedia)
For the NRL, the implication is clear: Cleary’s combination of premierships, individual awards, and marketability makes him the face of the competition. But for Australian rugby league fans in the stands, the choice is simple—watch him while you can, because a career this decorated doesn’t come around often.
For more details on the couple’s background, see the Mary Fowler relationship update.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nathan Cleary’s jersey number?
Cleary wears the number 7 jersey for the Penrith Panthers, the traditional halfback number.
How many NRL premierships has Nathan Cleary won?
He has won three consecutive NRL premierships with the Penrith Panthers (2021, 2022, 2023).
Who is Nathan Cleary’s father?
His father is Ivan Cleary, the head coach of the Penrith Panthers and a former NRL player.
Does Nathan Cleary have any siblings?
He has a younger sister named Kasey Cleary.
What university did Nathan Cleary attend?
Cleary attended St Dominic’s College in Penrith and did not attend university, proceeding directly to the NRL.
What is Nathan Cleary’s net worth?
Estimates range from $5 million to $10 million, including salary and endorsements.
Has Nathan Cleary won the Dally M Medal?
Yes, he won the Dally M Medal for NRL Player of the Year in 2020 and again in 2023.
Is Nathan Cleary injured?
As of the 2025 season, Cleary has had minor injury setbacks but no long-term issues reported.
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Laura Grant covers business, markets and economic policy for Coast Current.