Nathan Cleary defies odds by returning to training after shoulder surgery

In Australia, Nathan Cleary has been enjoying his off-season after leading the Penrith Panthers to their fourth consecutive NRL premiership title in October. Following their success, Cleary traveled to Europe with his girlfriend, Mary Fowler, where they shared moments in the UK and Mallorca, before returning home. However, upon his return, Cleary underwent surgery on a shoulder injury that had been affecting him for two seasons. He has since been on a strict recovery regimen incorporating a unique diet that includes sea moss and a carnivore diet, designed to accelerate healing and support his physical condition as he prepared to return to full training. The recovery journey for Cleary appears to be on a positive track, as he reported to be ahead of schedule just five weeks post-surgery. During this period of rehabilitation, he has maintained a connection with his teammates and has been gradually increasing his training intensity. Despite not being able to engage in full contact drills yet, Cleary is focused on rebuilding his strength and improving his overall fitness levels, with aspirations for a complete comeback within three to four months. His partner, Mary Fowler, has also been navigating a busy schedule with the Matildas and her club Manchester City. She opted out of recent national fixtures to ensure her mental and physical well-being after a demanding start to the season. During this time, Fowler has demonstrated impressive skill and resilience on the field, scoring for City in their recent Women's Super League matches. While Cleary continues to work towards rejoining his team, he also seeks to build rapport with new teammates, introducing them to his unconventional diet that includes steaks and bone broth. He's optimistic and selective in maintaining a healthy balance, believing that addressing these dietary changes will allow him to remain injury-free and perform at his best in the upcoming season. With all these developments, Cleary is not only setting his sights on recovery but also establishing a framework to return as a stronger player for the Penrith Panthers in the 2025 NRL season.