Mary Fowler Rejects $1 Million Australian Return Offer
The Matildas striker turned down a proposal from the Holman Barnes Group to join the Central Coast Mariners women's team.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Soccer
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Mary Fowler declined a reported $1 million offer to return to Australia, part of a combined $9 million package proposed by Holman Barnes Group that also included Nathan Cleary. Fowler remains contracted to Manchester City until 2028.
Why it matters
The proposal was made by a group that owns the Wests Tigers and the Central Coast Mariners women's side, highlighting the growing financial pull on Australia's leading players. Fowler's decision keeps her in the English women's game while she is under contract with Manchester City.
Fowler's reported multi-year Adidas deal is worth $10 million, while the Holman Barnes Group proposal valued a combined package at $9 million. The source does not detail the terms the PNG Chiefs offered beyond the reported $8.4 million total.
The players
Mary Fowler
Mary Fowler is an Australian Matildas striker who plays for Manchester City and is L'Oréal Paris's first female athlete ambassador for Australia and New Zealand.
Nathan Cleary
Nathan Cleary is a Penrith Panthers NRL halfback who has won four consecutive premierships and was the subject of a rival PNG Chiefs offer.
Holman Barnes Group
Holman Barnes Group is an ownership group that controls the Wests Tigers and the Central Coast Mariners women's team.
The details
Holman Barnes Group, which owns the Wests Tigers and acquired the Central Coast Mariners women's side, proposed the package as part of a recruitment plan across two clubs under the same ownership. Fowler withdrew from Matildas friendlies against Germany and Haiti in October for personal reasons, following discussions between Fowler, Manchester City and Matildas staff.
Timeline
October 2026: Fowler returned to Australia to support Cleary during his recovery from two operations.
October 2026: Fowler withdrew from the Matildas friendlies against Germany and Haiti.
2028: Fowler's Manchester City contract expires.
Season Trajectory
The offer reflects a wider pattern of NRL-linked ownership groups investing in women's football and pursuing high-profile players across codes. It places Fowler's decision within a competitive market for Australia's top athletes.
The offer shows how a rival package can reshape contract talks for players at the top of the NRL and Matildas squads. For fans, Fowler's continued contract with Manchester City means her Matildas availability will depend on club and national team scheduling.
The takeaway
Player recruitment across codes is becoming a serious financial contest, and it is worth watching how clubs and national teams manage the competition for elite talent.
What happens next
Cleary was expected to sign a two-year extension with Penrith through to the end of 2029.
Further reading
For more on the women's game, see Soccer coverage across Australia.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mail Online.
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