During a period when many professional athletes use their offseason to unwind, travel, or prepare quietly for the year ahead, NRL superstar Nathan Cleary has once again distinguished himself—this time not through dazzling footwork or match-winning plays, but through a rare display of humility and compassion that has captured global attention. Cleary, currently one of the most recognizable faces in rugby league, demonstrated a heartwarming act of community service during his stay in the United Kingdom, where he has spent time with his partner, Australian football sensation Mary Fowler.
Cleary has been making the most of the extended break following an intense stretch of representative rugby. The Penrith Panthers halfback was a key member of the Kangaroos squad that secured an emphatic 3-0 Rugby League Ashes series sweep over England across October and November. While the demanding tour showcased his sporting excellence, the offseason allowed Cleary to shift gears and reconnect with Fowler, who has been residing in Manchester.
Fowler, a star forward for the Matildas and Manchester City, is currently rehabilitating from a significant setback — a ruptured ACL sustained in April. Despite the grueling nature of recovery, the 22-year-old has maintained a positive online presence, sharing glimpses of her daily life and cherished moments with Cleary through photos and videos on Instagram. Much of their time together has been lighthearted and personal, offering fans a rare glimpse into their relationship.
However, one moment in particular has transcended social media and sports fandom, earning praise from supporters across Australia and the United Kingdom. This moment came not from either athlete’s public profiles, but instead from a Facebook post shared by the Atherton & Leigh Foodbank — a charitable organization dedicated to assisting families in crisis by providing essential food and support services.
According to the charity, Cleary spent a full day volunteering at their facility, quietly joining their team and participating in routine but crucial tasks. The 28-year-old reportedly refused to simply make an appearance; rather, he committed to a hands-on shift, packing food bags and engaging in all aspects of the organization’s daily efforts.
The foodbank expressed its gratitude online, writing:
“We had an extra volunteer today.”
They continued with a message that has since garnered thousands of reactions:
“Nathan Cleary, star of Penrith Panthers and the Australian Kangaroos, called to see us and insisted on doing a shift, packing bags and getting involved with all aspects of our work.”
The post concluded warmly:
“Thanks for your help today Nathan, you made a real difference and helped people facing hardship to stay well fed.”
This simple but powerful acknowledgment quickly went viral, prompting an outpouring of admiration for Cleary. Fans from both hemispheres flooded the comment section, praising the NRL champion not only for his sporting accolades but for the character and humility he displayed away from the limelight.
One commenter, Kim Prodanov, wrote:
“Shows just how special this young man is and how he’s been raised, to stay humble, kind and thoughtful.”
Similarly, Donna Durrington expressed her pride:
“Well done Nathan champion on and off the field proud to be a Panther fan!”
Another supporter, Vinesh Goundar, highlighted the influence of Cleary’s upbringing:
“Proud parents who raised this young man for who he is today, champion on & off the field!”
Even opposition fans chimed in, such as Chris Van Elsen, who admitted:
“Pure class, not ashamed to say I’m a big fan of his..I’m a Broncos supporter.”
Rounding out the heartfelt reactions, David John Kake added:
“Well done Nathan. Great leader great inspiration to the young kids these days. Great to see Nathan.”
The international response underscores the unique impact Cleary continues to have beyond the stadium. While athletes are often celebrated for their on-field dominance, moments like these reveal the broader influence sports icons can have when they choose to support communities in need. Cleary’s willingness to volunteer — without fanfare, media presence, or promotional intent — highlights a maturity and altruism rarely seen at the elite sporting level.
This act also complements the compassionate image frequently associated with Fowler, whose calm demeanor, generosity, and grounded personality have endeared her to fans worldwide. Together, the pair have become one of Australia’s most admired sporting couples, recognized not only for their athletic achievements but for their authenticity and goodwill.
Cleary’s offseason journey is far from over, and he is expected to return to Australia soon as preseason preparations resume for the Penrith Panthers’ 2025 campaign. Yet this Manchester moment will stand as one of the offseason’s most uplifting stories — a reminder that the true measure of an athlete often lies not in trophies or statistics, but in their willingness to uplift others.
